South Africa News

Army could be deployed to Gauteng to tackle unrest: Makhura

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.

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.”

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”.

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 vs Ycee

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