22nd October, 2019
Three Nigerians were among other foreign nationals who on Tuesday suffered from fresh xenophobic attacks in different locations of Witbank, Mpumanlaga Province, South Africa, the Nigerian community has said.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Mr Odefa Ikele, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Witbank, that the attacks started in the early hours of the morning.
“Groups made up of community members and taxi drivers went to different areas in Witbank attacking foreign-owned businesses and foreigners.
“Three Nigerians were injured, but no death case for now. Some of our nationals are seeking refuge at Witbank Police Station,’’ he said.
The details of the incident are still sketchy but NUSA also said that Police in the area have intervened and warned people to stay away from the Central Business District in the town.
Tuesday’s attacks came on the heels of efforts by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure they found amicable and lasting solution to xenophobia in South Africa.
Buhari visited Ramaphosa early October and held a town hall meeting with the Nigerian community.