Acting premier for Gauteng, Qedani Mahlangu, met with Gauteng mayors on Friday, to discuss the recent xenophobic attacks plaguing the country.
In a press release received from the Ekurhuleni Metro, the municipality states the attacks and looting of shops owned by foreign nationals was condemned at the meeting.
The police, who are working with other law enforcement agencies, briefed those in attendance about their ongoing efforts to stabilise the situation and prevent further attacks and damage to property.
The police are continuously monitoring the hot spots around the province and will not hesitate to take action against those who infringe on other people’s basic human rights.
The attacks, which erupted in Durban, have since spread to other parts of the country, with the latest incidents reported in Gauteng over the past few days.
“Words can’t describe how ashamed we are that these acts of barbarism against our own brothers and sisters come so soon after we celebrated twenty years of freedom and democracy,” says Mahlangu.
Government appeals to Gauteng residents to desist from engaging in any xenophobic attacks.
Residents are urged to report any attacks or planned attacks on foreign nationals to the police.
Government appreciates the stance of various artists and sports stars who have openly condemned these acts of xenophobia.
Mahlangu says government urges all South Africans, who occupy positions of leadership in society, to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner and refrain from making statements that may incite xenophobia.
