The KwaZulu-Natal Government and eThekwini Municipality strongly condemn the recent spate of sporadic incidents of violent attacks that broke out in the Durban Central Business District yesterday, 14 April 2015 directed at foreign nationals.
Government and the City of eThekwini are once again, calling for an immediate end to the continued attacks on foreign nationals in the province and the crime associated with the violence.
Today, reports suggested that the attacks and looting of shops continued. In Durban, police had to fire rubber bullets at a crowd in the City Centre after a deadlock between locals and foreign shop owners.
While law enforcement authorities have the situation under control, the City will not tolerate any form of violence instigated by a few individuals.
“Government has noted with grave concerns and regret that the attacks on foreign nationals and looting of their shops have continued around the province.
We condemn these attacks and assert that lawlessness will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies will deal with those that break the law,” said Premier Senzo Mchunu.
Last night, a 14-year-old boy was allegedly shot and killed during the looting of foreign owned shops in KwaNdlanzi area, Lindelani.
There have been at least four other deaths that are related to the attacks and looting in the province while the police have arrested over 40 people for various crimes.
A parked car in the city centre was reportedly set alight during the commotion.
Government and the city of eThekwini have reiterated their stance that it is completely unacceptable for South Africans to treat foreign nationals in such a diabolical and nefarious manner.
Nxumalo said that our forefathers died for the liberation of South Africa and the African continent and fought very hard to create a democratic society.
“Government is fundamentally opposed to discrimination of all forms and we call upon all members of society to join us in rejecting and condemning xenophobia and all related discrimination,” said Nxumalo.
Teams from various government departments and the City of eThekwini are already on the ground, working with all concerned stakeholders to initiate talks that will produce a lasting solution for peace and coexistence.
Government is calling on community leaders to help restore peace and reintegrate the displaced foreign nationals back to their communities.
