Xenophobia warning for Durban
Concerns over possible xenophobic violence in the city following troubling messages on social media.
WITH reports of attacks on foreign nationals in Isipingo, Umlazi and Malukazi by locals, fears and tensions are running high across the province.
At the weekend, Berea Mail received a message via Facebook warning of xenophobic activities which are set to take place in Durban on Wednesday, 8 April.
This appears to be in line with a WhatsApp alert warning which was circulated among foreign nationals via cellphone of an alleged threat against foreigners in Durban.
The Mercury reported on Tuesday that victims of xenophobic attacks who were being housed in a camp at Isipingo Beach, had all been alerted and that foreigners living in Durban had been warned of attacks on all foreigners on Wednesday.
The warning comes hot on the heels of a recent speech by King Goodwill Zwelithini who allegedly said that the government should send foreigners back home – prompting an investigation by the Human Rights Commission.
Media reports also quote city officials as saying the spate of xenophobic attacks was sparked by labour protests by angry South Africans who turned on foreigners.
In the meantime, Berea Mail has received a message from a Facebook user claiming various foreign national associations will stand united on Wednesday, 8 April, in an anti-xenophobic march to demand an end to the current wave of violence against foreign nationals.
The march is set to take place from King DinuZulu Park, opposite Durban Christian Centre to City Hall (Workshop) from 9am to 1pm.
Berea Mail has contacted eThekwini Municipality and local SAPS and Metro Police for confirmation of the march and will update when new information is available.
