By Agencies
THE Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa has pressed an alert button over the rising xenophobic attacks in neighboring South Africa.
The alert comes in the wake of anti-migrant protests across South Africa which have the potential to turn violent.
Reports indicate that foreign-owned shops are being shut down by xenophobic gangs in the Eastern Cape, with similar anti-immigrant campaigns taking place in Durban and central Johannesburg.
These campaigns have been styled as “clean-up” operations by groups such as March and March, but video evidence shows what appear to be locals confronting foreigners and demanding that they return to their own countries.
Deeper violent attacks have been scheduled for May 4.
In a warning statement the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Pretoria said it had received reports of disturbing demonstrations by South Africans targeting foreign nationals.
“The Consulates of Zimbabwe in Johannesburg and Cape Town have received reports of disturbing demonstrations that are targeting foreign nationals,” said the Embassy in the advisory note.
“These incidents pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa. Zimbabwean nationals are invited to remain vigilant and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, stay indoors and limit unplanned movements, and report to the local South African Police Services, Embassy and the Consulate in Johannesburg and Cape Town. In addition, they need to keep essential documents with them all the time.”
The Embassy said the Government remained committed to ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of its nationals.
Already, the Zimbabwe Exiles’ Forum (ZEF), which is led by Human Rights Lawyer Advocate Gabriel Shumba, has also reiterated the call and commended the Embassy for timeously issuing the advisory note.
He said reports on violent protests were alarming and life-threatening to most migrants.
“We endorse the advice to be careful, within the limitations of trying to make a living. This is because the reports are not only disturbing, but downright alarming, with the potential to be life-threatening, as we have heard in some instances,” said Adv Shumba.
He also appreciated the intervention by some individual countries, including the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on the contentious matter.
Adv Shumba said many migrants and organisations were hoping that the situation may be de-escalated to ensure that South Africans observe the rule of law and leave law enforcement to the security sector.
“As an organisation, we hope that our bothers and sisters do not fall prey to opportunistic elements sowing unnecessary divisions within the black communities. In the same breath, those in South Africa need to legalise their stay and to desist from crime,” he added.
ZEF officials said they were also alive to the fact that some migrants may opt to stay indoors as a safety precautionary measure.
Adv Shumba said the organisation was looking forward to the enforcement of the law following the condemnation of the protests and violence by authorities.
“We do further hope that the condemnation of violence is followed by practical enforcement. We also urge regional institutions to lobby the government, following President Ramaphosa’s acknowledgement that a lot needs to happen to restore harmony, peace and stability,” he said.
