By Zvikomborero Machirori
Opposition, Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) has called for peace and an end to brutality and gory attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
In a statement, ZAPU Spokesperson Msongelwa Ndlovu said they are disturbed by the re-emergence of violence targeted at foreign nationals in South Africa.
This comes following the killing of a Zimbabwean by a vigilante group that went door to door searching for foreign nationals in Diepsloot.
“We call upon the South African justice system to quickly bring the perpetrators to book and account for this heinous act of brutality,” Ndlovu said.
The victim, who has been identified as Elvis Nyathi was killed after being stoned and set alight by a mob was killed after being stoned and set alight in a mob attack in Diepsloot, North west of Johannesburg.
Police in South Africa say investigating are ongoing adding that they have been recording statements from witnesses on the attack.
“Statements we are recording from witnesses are that there is a small group of people that went from door to door, and when they got to this house, he ran out, they chased him and unfortunately he was killed.
As soon we got the information, police rushed to the scene and when they arrived at the scene the people had already dispersed,” said police Spokesperson Brenda Muridili.
Opposition Economic Freedom Fighters Commander In Chief Julius Malema has condemned xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals.
He claims the attacks are purely criminal, “the attacks are not justifiable. They are acts of crime by criminals. Okay then, let’s say Nigerians are selling drugs. Do we resolve it by committing a crime? Subject people to mob justice and kangaroo courts? You cannot replace crime with crime…report crime to the police, should police refuse to act, report them too.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is on record condemning attacks on foreign nationals.
He said most Africans living in that country were legal residents who respected the laws and people of South Africa.
