Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
The Zimbabwe Exiles’ Forum (ZEF) has urged Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa to remain vigilant following reports of violent protests targeting foreign nationals, while commending the Zimbabwe Embassy for issuing a timely advisory note.
ZEF, led by human rights lawyer Advocate Gabriel Shumba, described the reports as alarming and life-threatening to most migrants trying to earn a living in South Africa.
He said of late they have been receiving distress calls from fellow Zimbabweans over the potentially volatile situation.
“Others have actually relocated from their usual places of abode. They have been requesting for updates on efforts that may also be driven by their embassy here,” said Adv Shumba.
He said the forum was in the midst of engaging the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa to find common ground and a way forward.
“We have requested a meeting with our Embassy officials and they said they will revert to us. In this situation, it’s important to pool resources and efforts,” said Adv Shumba.
“At the same time we endorse their advice to Zimbabweans living in South Africa to be careful, within the limitations of trying to make a living.
“We encourage our fellow countrymen to stay safe. They should avoid groups and marchers. In addition, they need to attend to their immigration status in this country”.
He said ZEF hoped the situation would de-escalate soon and that community members would observe the rule of law and allow security forces to handle law enforcement.
The lawyer said the organisation looked forward to practical enforcement of the law following government condemnation of the violence.
He reiterated the call for Zimbabweans to avoid any confrontations with demonstrators.
While addressing the media yesterday, South Africa’s acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said the police had noted the growing tensions in certain communities.
These include the recent incidents in Mossel Bay that have tragically claimed many lives and left families grieving.
The commissioner said the police were actively investigating all criminal acts related to these incidents and that those responsible will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.
“On behalf of the South African Police Service, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. No grievance, frustration or disagreement can ever justify violence, intimidation, destruction of property, or the taking of human life,” said Lt Gen Dimpane.
“The South African Police Service has deployed the necessary resources to affected areas and has intensified operations to restore and maintain law and order.
“We are actively investigating all criminal acts related to these incidents and those responsible will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts. I urge everyone in the country to respect the laws of this country and If you choose to march, do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights of others”.
She continued: “No grievance, no matter how strongly felt, justifies violence, intimidation, assault, the destruction of property, looting, or threats against any person or community. We cannot allow criminal elements to hijack legitimate concerns and turn them into acts of lawlessness”.
Lt Gen Dimpane said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) will soon provide a comprehensive update on the security situation, ongoing interventions, operational deployments and measures being implemented to safeguard all people living in South Africa.
