The South African police have promised to ensure the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa, following the latest round of mob attacks that have left a Nigerian dead. The police gave the assurance when the leadership of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), led by its President, Mr. Collins Mgbo, met stakeholders at Kimberley district in Northern Cape, South Africa, where a Nigerian died, following a mob attack. Mgbo said in a statement from Pretoria on Sunday that the meeting was attended by Brig. Rikhostso, Head of Kimberley Police Cluster, representatives of religious organisations, the host community and the South African widow of late Mr Nicholas John.
“The responsibility of this group is to make sure that information is sent across to the police whenever there is a crisis so that the police can handle the matter quickly before it gets out of control.
“The police have promised the Nigerian community that they’ll make sure their lives and properties are protected.”
xenophobic protests resurfaced recently after a mob of several hundred turned up at a migrant centre in South Africa’s Soweto township, unemployed, wielding weapons and angry with foreigners they accuse of taking their jobs.
“Foreigners, go home,” they cried, according to witnesses.
In time past, xenophobic protests have transformed into violence. Attacks against foreigners left at least 62 people dead in 2008, while another seven were killed in similar unrest in 2015.
