A ZIMBABWEAN woman died while several were injured and
displaced following a flare-up in xenophobic violence in neighbouring South
Africa last week.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa David Hamadziripi told
our Bulawayo Bureau that the woman died on Monday.
“There are some Zimbabweans that were displaced in the
Katlehong area (near Johannesburg) and we do have one Zimbabwean woman, who was
a security guard, who was killed. The police have been talking of seven people
who were killed during the violence and among those seven is that Zimbabwean
woman,” he said.
Ambassador Hamadziripi said he was not furnished with full
details about the circumstances that led to the death.
“I do not have much detail as yet about her death, but it
was attributed to the violent incidents that took place here. I will get more
details and update you,” he said.
Zimbabweans in the affected areas, Amb Hamadziripi said,
must be vigilant during this time.
“Our message to Zimbabweans living in South Africa in
affected areas is that they must take all necessary precautions and keep away
from the places, where we have heard or witnessed these violent incidents.
Where they find themselves in difficulties, they must go and seek shelter at
the nearest police station.
“They must take extra precaution and be careful because the
situation still remains tense and there are a lot of messages circulating on
social media, with groups threatening all sorts of violence and threatening
foreigners and telling them to return to their countries, so you may never know
when and where the next incident may erupt,” he said.
A statement from the Municipality of Ekurhuleni, which was
shared by the Ambassador, indicated that at least 57 people indicated they
wanted to return to Zimbabwe, while 50 needed assistance with alternative
shelter, food, clothing and blankets.
About 422 Mozambican adults and 122 children were also
affected, with 397 opting to return home. One victim from Lesotho was affected and was in need of
shelter and food.
One Ghanaian was affected and expressed his will to return
to his country of birth, while 52 Malawian adults and 32 children were
displaced.
Thirty-two said they wanted to go back to Malawi, while 20
needed food and shelter.
The affected people are accommodated at Tsolo Hall and D.M
Williams in Katlehong.
Seven people have been killed and several others injured
since a spate of violent attacks broke out in Johannesburg last week, before
spreading to some parts of Pretoria.
More than 50 foreign-owned shops were vandalised, looted or
burnt, while several cars were torched. World leaders and international organisations have
condemned the xenophobic attacks.
Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) has called for
a lasting solution to end the violence.
President Mnangagwa also condemned the attacks, saying he
was closely monitoring the situation and communicating with his counterpart,
President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We strongly condemn all forms of hate-driven violence and
applaud the South African authorities for the swift way they have responded. We
are closely following the situation and I am in regular contact with my South
African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa,” said President Mnangagwa in an
interview last week. Sunday Mail
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