Foreigners flee Limpopo village after locals go on the rampage

FOREIGNERS in a Limpopo village are living in fear after they were attacked and then expelled during a three-day rampage by locals this week.

Villagers in Makurung, south of Polokwane, attacked foreigners over the course of several days before eventually ordering all foreigners to leave the village.

Many of the foreigners, including a number of traders, were forced to move to neighbouring villages for safety as locals ransacked their homes and businesses. Locals accused them of stealing their belongings.

A shopowner was assaulted and had his goods looted from his tuckshop on Monday evening.

Adionwo Tadawse, an Ethiopian, had closed his shop and was sleeping when he was woken up by a group of locals who assaulted him and stole his stock.

He said he was shocked and surprised by the attacks as he never thought such attacks could be directed against him and other foreigners.

A Zimbabwean pensioner who is married to a local woman and has been living in the village for years was also targeted and warned to leave the village. He resisted until a mob broke open the doors and windows of his home. Police said the man left the area unhurt.

Warrant Officer Manong Tshehla confirmed that shops were looted and foreigners pushed out of the village.

He said the attacks started on Sunday and continued until a community meeting yesterday resolved that all foreigners should leave the village. “After the meeting, villagers moved from house to house occupied by foreigners, warning and telling foreigners to pack and go.

“They did go, but only one old man refused to go and said he does not have a place to go to. He was threatened again and left, but his house was vandalised. His wife and children were not hurt.”

Police said peace had been restored to the area.