PRETORIA. Foreign nationals, a number of them being Zimbabweans staying in informal townships of Pretoria have once again fled to safety as violence over the lack of basic services has erupted after close to two weeks of calm.On Tuesday, Simba Nyamhuno who has been staying in Mamelodi township for the past two years says violence escalated and he was warned by some community members to flee for his safety as foreign nationals are usually targeted and harassed by protesters. An elderly woman, who only identified herself as mbuya Jemwa said she had her stock of fruits, which she sells by the roadside, looted as angry protesters questioned her why she was not joining them in the riots.
When The Zimbabwean visited the area yesterday morning, police were having difficulty managing the crowds and were now firing rubber bullets to disperse the unruly protesters. Commissioner Ndumiso Jaca from the City of Tshwane Community Safety department told The Zimbabwean that the situation would be put under control and perpetrators of crime who take advantage of the mayhem would be investigated and arrested.
We are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all people citizens or visitors. We shall not tolerate any criminal activity, he said.