Migrant groups have described the looting of foreign-owned tuck shops in South Africa as an anti-climax for Africa month. The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa led the condemnation of the attacks on foreign nationals in Johannesburg’s Orange Farm and the looting of their shops in both Orange Farm and Diepsloot, which have resulted in the displacement of hundreds of non-South Africans.
Dali under fire
South African television presenter Dali Mpofu came under fire for his recent interview with President Robert Mugabe, which has been described as a public relations gimmick for the aging ruler. “What do you mean a PR exercise? What you wanted me to do was to say to him, ‘you’re lying, Robert Mugabe you’re a liar. That’s not true, how dare you say that? You’re a bloody liar’,” Tambo shouted. This was after fellow CapeTalk567 presenter, Kieno Kammies, said he had been disappointed by the Mugabe interview.
Police apology
The Royal Swaziland Police recently apologised to the Rural Women’s Assembly, following the lawmen’s ban last week of a march intended to raise awareness about gender-based violence in general, and to protest against a man punishing his girlfriend by stripping her naked, cutting of some of her hair with a knife and injuring her in the process, and parading her naked along a heavy-traffic road for three kilometres. Human rights group said the apology came as a result of pressure and solidarity.
Manhunt
Zambian police have launched a vigorous manhunt for youths who stormed the Bible Gospel Church in Africa in Lusaka on Friday and disrupted a ‘Black Friday’ meeting organised by some civil society, politicians and church leaders. BIGOCA overseer, Peter Ndhlovu, said he was bitter over the incident and that his church would support the government of the day. Police said dockets had been opened after two people reported being assaulted. The victims were issued with police medical forms to enable them seek medication.
Migrant kids suffer
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have destroyed the lives of migrant children, some of who are unable to express their trauma. Human rights groups recently called for the protection of foreign children, who have an added challenge of having to deal with the trauma of violence and displacement and also face challenges with regards to access to services in the country. The wide range of services they need include access to education, adequate identification and social assistance, according to the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants South Africa.
Brutal attacks
Zambian civil society leaders recently called for an end to brutal attacks against civil society organisations and journalists in the country by government-sponsored militia. The Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights said the attacks highlighted the need for greater international pressure on Zambia’s leadership to respect basic human rights. The attacks included violent disruption of an indoor meeting convened by numerous civil society organisations by a militia affiliated with the ruling Patriotic Front party.
Post published in: Africa News