URGENT SECURITY ALERT

Incidences of xenophobic attacks on Zimbabweans and other foreigners are rife in the vicinity of Pretoria, notably in the Mamelodi, Denneboom and Soshanguve localities.  Recent attacks in other areas have left several Zimbabweans dead, including a child of nine who was burnt to death.  Yesterday the situation appeared to be spiralling out of control with violent attacks on Zimbabweans in both Mamelodi and Soshanguve,  

We have been informed that road blocks were set up in those areas and that mobs of rampaging locals threatened Zimbabwean exiles, forcing a number to seek sanctuary in Marabastad area.  The lives of women, pregnant mothers and children have been put at risk, which is totally unacceptable.  At this point there are also unconfirmed reports that two Zimbabweans died in the violence.

The pattern emerging suggests that these are not isolated incidences but are in fact systematic and co-ordinated. The response of the South African Police is of growing concern, with reports of their being either afraid to respond or complicit. As previously, we call on the South African Police to execute their duties efficiently and bring to account those who are responsible for these heinous crimes.

It is ironical that South African President Thabo Mbeki should be chairing the UN Security Council in New York this week when Zimbabweans and exiles from other African countries continue to face victimisation in South Africa.

We believe that President Mbeki is sending the wrong signal to the citizens of this country by stating that there is no crisis in Zimbabwe.  Instead of condemning the atrocious human rights abuses committed by the Mugabe regime, he chooses to imply that we are here voluntarily.  This approach creates confusion and serves to fuel the criticism levelled at Zimbabweans that they are stealing jobs from South Africans and are placing an unnecessary burden on state facilities.   

Furthermore we are deeply distressed that President Mbeki attempted to stop the Zimbabwean crisis from being included as an agenda item at the UN Security Council. The Zimbabwean crisis is now so grave that it requires immediate international intervention.  

The Zimbabwe Exiles’ Forum expresses serious concern that certain newspapers are publishing stories which are xenophobic in nature and serve to further heighten tension.  It is highly irresponsible to imply that Zimbabweans are responsible for increased levels of crime and HIV/AIDS.

The Zimbabwe Exiles’ Forum believes it is essential for civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, the SA Police and the Departments of Home Affairs and State Security to analyse the situation and explore workable solutions.

Finally, we call upon the South African government to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Asylum Seekers in Africa, Commissioner Bahame Tom Nyanduga, to visit South Africa.

GABRIEL SHUMBA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ZIMBABWE EXILES’ FORUM