Gauteng’s political leadership wants the army to tackle violent looting that’s gripped the province.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura said that while irregular migrants could pose a challenge by pushing drugs and counterfeit goods, rioting was not a solution.
“This issue can be dealt with without resorting to xenophobia,” Makhura told reporters.
“There is no country that does not have foreign nationals”.
Makhura said criminals have taken advantage of the situation and are responsible for shops being looted.
He has warned he may ask for the military to be deployed to assist police if the situation doesn’t improve.
Watch: Premier @David_Makhura now in Jeppestown. The premier states that there is no justification to any criminal activity and should the need arise for reinforcement from the SANDF, that will happen. The premier adds that @SAPoliceService are currently managing. pic.twitter.com/qeyKLihMph
— GautengGov (@GautengProvince) September 3, 2019
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday spoke out against the violence, directing the police to continue clamping down on criminals.
“We are a country that is completely committed against xenophobia,” said Ramaphosa.
“We do not allow and cannot tolerate attacks on people from other countries.”
Our security forces are on high alert. Whilst in no way, can we take away the sense of deep loss and unbearable pain you experience, as a country we commit ourselves to continue to work tirelessly to building the kind of South Africa, where indeed womxn and children will be safe. pic.twitter.com/ZoQSziiuPM
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 3, 2019
Deputy President David Mabuza also condemned all acts of violence targeting foreign nationals.
“We are a nation founded on the values of Ubuntu (humanity) as espoused by our founding father, President Nelson Mandela.
“We should always resist the temptation of being overwhelmed by hatred,” he said.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane condemned the ongoing looting of shops owned by immigrants in Gauteng.
He says South Africa has a leadership crisis.
“South Africans are scared and lack real hope for the future,” he said.
“We are seeing economic and social collapse in action, and the widespread violent protests, looting, destruction of property and general lawlessness”.
WATCH: @MmusiMaimane’s message on the chaos & looting in parts of SA.
“I want to condemn all in the strongest & possible terms, & I’m calling for the restoration of order.
We need a joint operation between national, provincial & city governments that will put a stop to this.” pic.twitter.com/einUiLSgSx
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) September 3, 2019
In other news – AKA and Nigerian rapper Ycee fight
Nigerian rapper Ycee has called out his South African counterpart AKA. Ycee accused AKA of promoting Xenophobia attack.
AKA cried out on social media months ago after Nigerian defeated South Africa at the African championships. The Cape Town-born rapper at that time said it is better for South Africa to lose against Egypt than Nigeria. continue reading
Source: eNCA