Fears of more xenophobic attacks

THE JUSTICE and Peace Commission has called for calm and restraint ahead of a planned march against foreign nationals allegedly involved in illicit drug dealing, prostitution and other crimes.

Tshwane residents have organised a march for Friday against foreign nationals, alleging that they are employed ahead of locals and involved in hijacking of buildings, prostitution and drug dealing.

Several houses in Tshwane thought to be brothels and drug dens have been set alight by protesting residents, and some shops owned by foreign nationals in the area have been looted, prompting the police to deploy more members in affected areas. No arrests have been reported.

Mamelodi Concerned Residents spokesperson Makgoka Lekganyane said residents had organised the march because they were tired of being slaves in their own country.

Reacting to the planned march, Bishop Gabuza, the chairperson of the Justice and Peace Commission, called for calm and restraint amid fears that the march could spark xenophobic attacks.

“The planned march against the foreigners in Pretoria is cause for serious concern. We call for calm and restraint,” said Gabuza.

The bishop also condemned the ongoing violence and destruction of property of foreigners in Pretoria West and in the Joburg suburb of Rosettenville.

He said communities should explore avenues to raise their concerns against foreign nationals instead of resorting to violence. “We cannot stress it enough that, even in cases of extreme dissatisfaction with the law enforcement and alleged criminal elements perpetrated by some foreign nationals, community members should not take the law into their own hands. No grievance justifies violence against foreign nationals.”

The bishop urged the African Diaspora Forum, which represents foreign nationals in South Africa, to work closely with the police to root out criminals, especially those involved in drugs and prostitution.

“We reiterate our call to the government to strengthen border controls,” said Gabuza, adding: “We also call on the intelligence community to devise more effective ways to detect and counter xenophobic violence before it flares up.

“If this is not comprehensively addressed, especially in townships and informal settlements, it will continue to generate an environment that increases the risk of xenophobic attacks.” – ANA See Page 10