Xenophobia: Presidency reacts as South Africans loot, burn Nigerians’ businesses, property

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the looting and burning of businesses and property belonging to foreigners in South Africa.

The President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo who confirmed the development to NAN said that the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

“The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals.

“But the Police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest,

“Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg looted and burned shops/businesses,’’ he added.

Reacting, Dabiri on her Twitter page said: ”Sad, reports from South Africa attacking foreigners. I can’t verify most of the videos, however, whatever decisions to be taken now can only be at the ministerial level.

”AU intervention may be crucial. This is not what we should be doing to ourselves as Africans.”