Shop owners, workers speak out about attacks in Durban

FOREIGN nationals working and living in Durban say they live in constant fear. This after several incidents rocked the Durban city centre when their businesses were looted and torched during protests since the beginning of this year.

In the most recent incident earlier this month, Durban Central SAPS reported an attack on foreign nationals by unknown people. According to Capt Muzi Maphumulo from Durban Central SAPS, it is alleged that a group of people threatened foreign national street traders along Victoria and Bertha Mkhize Streets.

“Three tables were burnt down and two foreign nationals were stabbed. Those stabbed were taken to hospital in a stable condition. A number of foreign nationals are now gathered at the Diakonia offices for refugees in Durban. They want the UN to intervene in their fate,” said Maphumulo.

A public violence case was opened and is being investigated by Durban Central police.

“The police have increased presence in Durban Central to look for the suspects and also to ensure stability. No arrests have been made at this stage,” he said.

Ethiopian national Gerum Agaro who works for Amira Fashion Shop at Dr Pixley kaSeme Street she said she is terrified.

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“Some of the black community people are attacking the foreigners, beating them up and killing our people. We are scared for our lives. They don’t understand that we are brothers and sisters.

“We want this to end, then we can be happy again. We have to understand each other, because when these attacks are taking place we have to close our businesses which is bad, we are not free now,” said Agaro.

Another shop owner, Afzal Mohammad, who owns a cell phone repair store in Durban, also commented on the xenophobic attacks.

“It’s not right that you can do something like that. You must know that we also human, if you need to do anything you talk to your people they will get the solution. All that you do is kill and hurt people, it’s not right. A friend of mine was attacked, robbed, he was beaten badly and he hospitalised. That’s not good, we don’t agree with it. We are happy with you only if you are happy,”said Mohammad.

Thirteen years ago a wave of xenophobic attacks rocked the country and more than 60 people were reported to have been killed.

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