Mayor calls for calm in the City of Ekurhuleni following protest action
“We have been informed of incidents of xenophobic violence in the City. As the ANC-led Coalition in Ekurhuleni, we still hold the ideals of the African renaissance close to our hearts, and believe that all Africans must work together to overcome the current challenges confronting the continent" - the mayor
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Mayor Mzwandile Masina has noted with deep concern reports of looting and incidents of violence against foreign nationals.
He was specifically referring to an incident in Tembisa, even though violence against foreigners also erupted on Monday in Boksburg.
Masina has called for calm and an immediate return of the rule of law and has called upon law enforcement agencies to monitor the area until normality is restored.
“Lawlessness of any kind will not be tolerated in the City of Ekurhuleni. Issues facing our communities must not be hijacked by thugs who wish to create an environment of anarchy for their own material benefit,” said the mayor.
“I appeal to citizens to respect all public and privately owned property, as any act of vandalism, theft or looting will be met with the full might of the law.
“We cannot have a situation where South Africans use violence as a tool to turn on their fellow African brothers and sisters, no matter how bad their grievances are. What happened in Tembisa, must not be replicated anywhere else in the City.” said Masina.
He said ongoing raids are being conducted through the City’s weekly Siyaqhuba Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.
“During the raids, health and safety inspectors test edible goods being sold to the public and ensure that no dangerous or illegal substances are being sold.
“Immigration officials are also on hand during the raids to verify that immigrants working in these small businesses are properly documented and are legally inside the country.”
ALSO READ: Watch: Four shops looted in alleged xenophobic attacks in Boksburg