Foreign business owners cautious amid xenophobic violence

FOREIGNERS in Pinetown believe that the xenophobic attacks on them are nothing more than criminal acts. On Wednesday afternoon most stores around the taxi ranks and Hill Street were closed as foreigners fear for their lives.

The stalls on the streets also stood empty as most foreign vendors have decided to go back to their homes. Mozambican national, James Mahalamba who have been residing in South Africa for 10 years said he has decided to go back home.

“I can not live like this, I now live in fear. I came to South Africa to make a living and earn some money for my family.
“We are suffering back at home, the money I make here I send it to my family so that they do not go to bed on empty stomach.

An emotional Mahalamba said he does mot understand why they are being targeted.

“What have we done, we do not abuse anyone here, we do not steal from anyone, we just sell fruits. The worst part is that, the people who are attacking us are you boys who smoke whoonga.

“There are only few of us left here, most of the people are gone. Our fellow brothers and sisters who sell airtime were all robbed. Most of the shops have been robbed and they selling these things in the Pinetown CBD,” he said.

The attacks have also been reported in townships around the Pinetown area. There are unconfirmed reports that a man was shot in Clermont and had his car damaged. Police are monitoring the situation in the Pinetown area.

Seventy four arrests have been made to date for offences including murder, public violence, business robbery, theft and possession of firearms and ammunition since the attacks started.

EThekwini Mayor Nxumalo said the attacks on foreigners and looting of foreign-owned shops has led to the death of five people and has far-reaching negative economic implications for the City and South Africa.

Nxumalo said the violence directed at foreign nationals will negate the progress eThekwini has made in positioning Durban as a destination of choice for foreign investors.

“The violence happening in the City also has a negative impact on business in the City more especially the hospitality industry which employs thousands of people, especially the youth,” said Nxumalo.

KZN Police spokesman, Col Jay Naicker said the SAPS makes an earnest appeal to those who are posting false information in the social media, to please desist from doing so.

“Spreading false information on the number of deaths and attacks, the different areas that are being attacked and hate speech aimed at foreign nationals not only causes undue panic in communities but also have the potential to fuel the violence.

“The responsible use of social media can contribute greatly in our fight against crime by making people aware of the consequences of engaging in criminal activity, ways to safeguard themselves and their property against criminals and to help police identify and find suspects,” he said.