More xenophobia

In an extensive survey by CAJ News two weeks ago, impeccable security intelligence confirmed that they were aware of forthcoming xenophobic attacks against foreigners.

Gauteng provincial director of communications, Govendsay Mariemuthoo, said the security intelligence had gathered some information but was unable to reveal details to the media.

The police boss, however, said that the law would deal harshly with those involved in violence and pledged his forces support for foreigners.

“Our security intelligence have gathered enough information, but I can’t reveal anything to the media. But be rest assured that the police will not tolerate any violence against other human-beings. The police will take drastic actions against the perpetrators of such xenophobic violence,” said Mariemuthoo.

Home Affairs spokeswoman, Siobhan McCarthy, distanced her department from any motive to deport Zimbabweans shortly after the World Cup.

“We are not deporting any Zimbabweans. I don’t know where this story is coming from,” said McCarthy.

She said the government had agreed to keep Zimbabweans in South Africa, provided they had the right papers such as passports with valid visas and asylum permit papers.

But, the survey revealed that the majority of locals, especially in Alexandra, Diepsloot, Soweto and East Rand were bitter about the increasing rate of unemployment that they blamed on foreigners.

“We are sick and tired of these foreigners who come to take our jobs,” said Kazamula Hlambelo of Alexandra.

Zimbabwe Global Zimbabwe Forum Chairman, Luke Zunga, said Zimbabweans had no where else to seek refuge.

“What South Africans must realize is that their government’s support for Mugabe has created a situation where the Zimbabwe crisis cannot be resolved. South Africa was the first to endorse the violent elections of 2000. The Diaspora feels South Africa is the main supporter of Robert Mugabe at AU, Nepad, SADC and into the whole world.

It is high time South Africa, stops supporting Mugabe,” fumed Zunga.