80 arrested over xenophobic attacks – S’Africa envoy

The South African Government has arrested about 80 members of vigilante groups allegedly involved in xenophobic attacks and other acts of criminality targeting migrants across the country, the Consul-General of South Africa to Nigeria, Prof Bobby Moroe, has disclosed.

Moroe said the suspects were arrested across five to six provinces as authorities intensified efforts to restore order and prosecute those taking the law into their own hands.

He spoke on Wednesday at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Forum in Lagos, themed, “The Future of Nigeria-South Africa Relations: Advancing Bilateral Cooperation in a Changing World.”

The envoy said the South African government did not support attacks on migrants, stressing that the country’s constitution protects both documented and undocumented migrants.

About 80 people involved in these criminal acts and who are members of vigilante groups have been arrested across five to six provinces, and the law is taking its due course.

“In South Africa, we have witnessed acts of criminality by vigilante groups calling for illegal migrants to return home and taking the law into their own hands.

“But let me be clear on behalf of my government that the South African Constitution protects both regular and irregular migrants.”

He added, “Only competent law enforcement agencies and immigration officers have the legal standing to deal with migration issues.”

Moroe dismissed claims that the South African government was orchestrating attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals, describing such reports as “fake news.”

He emphasised that the actions of the vigilante groups did not reflect the views of the South African people or government.

He said, “In Nigeria, we have seen direct reprisals and pushbacks as a direct response to what is perceived as an onslaught by the South African government against migrants. I can tell you for free, this is fake news.

“These acts of criminality by groups taking the law into their own hands do not represent the sentiments of South Africans.

“The government condemns all acts of criminality and violations of human rights against any individual, whether a South African national or a foreigner, because the Constitution protects everybody. No individual in South Africa is allowed to take the law into their own hands.”

According to him, law enforcement agencies were working to stabilise the situation, noting that about 80 suspected members of the vigilante groups had already been arrested.

The Consul-General also called for stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that both countries had maintained 32 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations built on mutual solidarity and shared history.

He said, “We are working daily to stabilise the environment and bring perpetrators to book. About 80 people involved in these acts of criminality and members of vigilante groups have been arrested in about five to six provinces, and the law is taking its due course.”

He acknowledged Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, saying the relationship between both countries should continue to grow despite occasional challenges.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ije Jidenma, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mr Ajibola Olomola, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

He said the chamber would continue to promote collaboration between businesses, encourage subnational partnerships and deepen trade and investment relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

The event was attended by business leaders, including the Country Manager of South African Airways in Nigeria, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, representatives of MTN Nigeria, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators and other private sector stakeholders.