Maputo, 2 Jul (AIM) – At least 283 Mozambican nationals have been affected by acts of violence, harassment, looting and intimidation during the protests carried out by the anti-immigrant group March and March on 30 June.
Last Tuesday, anti-immigrant groups decided to bring the country to a standstill in a national shutdown protest. Hundreds of people took to the streets to demand immediate and mass deportation of illegal immigrants living in South Africa. They blame illegal immigrants for several social problems, including the high levels of crime and unemployment.
A statement released by the government’s press office (GABINFO) points out that the most severe incident occurred in Mamelodi, on the outskirts of Pretoria, where 194 Mozambican citizens lost their homes after they were set on fire by rioters.
“The victims, consisting of men, women, and children, are receiving assistance from the Mozambican High Commission in Pretoria, which is providing basic food supplies. Preparations for their repatriation are also underway”, reads the document.
According to the note, in KwaZulu-Natal province, specifically in Clermont, in the Pinetown area, 38 Mozambicans were assaulted and forced to flee their homes. Those affected include women (among them a pregnant woman) and minors. These victims are currently under police protection while arrangements are being made to ensure their return to Mozambique.
In Limpopo province, 51 Mozambican citizens sought refuge at a community disaster management center after being targeted by attacks and intimidation.
“Mozambican authorities are also monitoring the situation, providing assistance, and organizing their repatriation. In Mpumalanga province, the Consulate General of Mozambique in Mbombela is continuing to verify whether any Mozambican nationals have been affected by incidents reported in Malahleni area”, explains the statement.
“ Mozambique’s diplomatic and consular missions in South Africa are closely monitoring the situation and continue to provide consular assistance and protection to Mozambican citizens affected by the wave of xenophobic violence”, adds the note.
In the last three days, the southern Mozambican province of Gaza received over 20,000 Mozambican citizens, who decided to abandon South Africa as result of xenophobic attacks.
According to the Road Transport Association in Gaza, over 150 vehicles have already transported roughly 22,500 passengers from various regions of South Africa to Mozambique.
In the current wave of xenophobic attacks, seven Mozambican nationals have been killed in the South African region of Mossel Bay. They were all from Gaza province. Their remains have been returned to the districts of Majaquaze, Chókwè, Chigubo and Limpopo.
According to South African Deputy National Police Commissioner, Tebello Mosikili, speaking to reporters, of 120 marches held on June 30, 108 were peaceful while 12 saw police intervention, and more than 900 people were arrested for being involved in looting. In violent unrest, one person was shot dead.
Am/
