SOUTH AFRICA ARRESTS 80 SUSPECTED XENOPHOBIC VIGILANTES, DENIES TARGETING MIGRANTS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The South African Government has arrested about 80 members of vigilante groups allegedly involved in xenophobic attacks and other criminal activities targeting migrants across the country.
The Consul-General of South Africa to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, disclosed this on Wednesday during the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Forum held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “The Future of Nigeria-South Africa Relations: Advancing Bilateral Cooperation in a Changing World,” Moroe said the arrests were made across five to six provinces as authorities intensified efforts to restore order and prosecute those taking the law into their own hands.
He stressed that the South African Government does not support attacks on migrants, noting that the country’s Constitution guarantees protection for both documented and undocumented migrants.
“In South Africa, we have witnessed acts of criminality by vigilante groups calling for illegal migrants to return home and taking the law into their own hands.
“But let me be clear on behalf of my government that the South African Constitution protects both regular and irregular migrants,” Moroe said.
He emphasised that only law enforcement and immigration authorities are legally empowered to enforce immigration laws.
“Only competent law enforcement agencies and immigration officers have the legal standing to deal with migration issues,” he added.
The envoy dismissed claims that the South African Government was orchestrating attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals, describing such allegations as false.
“In Nigeria, we have seen direct reprisals and pushbacks as a direct response to what is perceived as an onslaught by the South African government against migrants. I can tell you for free, this is fake news.
“These acts of criminality by groups taking the law into their own hands do not represent the sentiments of South Africans.
“The government condemns all acts of criminality and violations of human rights against any individual, whether a South African national or a foreigner, because the Constitution protects everybody. No individual in South Africa is allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said.
Moroe disclosed that law enforcement agencies were working to stabilise the situation, noting that approximately 80 suspected members of the vigilante groups had already been arrested and would face prosecution.
“We are working daily to stabilise the environment and bring perpetrators to book. About 80 people involved in these acts of criminality and members of vigilante groups have been arrested in about five to six provinces, and the law is taking its due course,” he said.
The Consul-General also called for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, highlighting the 32 years of uninterrupted diplomatic ties between both countries and acknowledging Nigeria’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ije Jidenma, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Ajibola Olomola, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to deepening trade, investment and commercial cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
The forum was attended by business leaders and representatives of key organisations, including South African Airways, MTN Nigeria, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators and other private sector stakeholders.
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