The South African government has been tasked to take strong action against its citizens involved in a recent flare-up of xenophobic violence in the country.
Two human rights groups are calling for urgent investigations, arrests and prosecutions of persons believed to be behind the attacks that lasted about a week, March 25 to April 2, 2019.
South Africa-based African Diaspora Forum and Human Rights Watch, HRW, said the government needed to do more than just condemning the attacks.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressly condemned the attacks as did the leader of the opposition EFF, Julius Malema. The groups said they were even more so concerned that the violence came amid rising political tension as South Africa goes to the polls on May 8.
“Re-integration of foreign nationals into communities without justice and accountability for past xenophobic attacks is a recipe for disaster.
“To deter those who attack foreign nationals, there is an urgent need for effective policing, arrests, and prosecutions,” said Dewa Mavhinga, southern Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
Vusumuzi Sibanda, chairperson at the African Diaspora Forum also said: “Apart from its call for an end to attacks on foreign nationals, the South African government has done little to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“Strong action is needed to show there are consequences for such acts before there is another round of violence against vulnerable foreign nationals.”
Latest Stories
-
Africa’s reparations call now a unified demand – President Mahama
1 minute -
Government Communications Minister urges PR officers to embody efficiency and professionalism
2 minutes -
Mahama’s cost-cutting measures signal new era of fiscal discipline
24 minutes -
Today’s Front pages: Friday, July 18, 2025
24 minutes -
Battery swapping is the missing link in EV adoption – Here’s what we’ve learned
2 hours -
Defence Minister commends Ghana Armed Forces personnel during extensive Garrison visit
2 hours -
Ghana Armed Forces set to recruit 12,000 as Defence Minister pledges transparency
2 hours -
Baby stolen during Argentina’s military rule found after 48 years
2 hours -
US passes first major national crypto legislation
3 hours -
Netflix boss says AI effects used in show for first time
3 hours -
I was raised in a very politically aware family – NAPO
3 hours -
I was raised to serve – NAPO shares deep-rooted calling to public duty
4 hours -
Trump orders officials to ‘produce’ more Epstein documents after mounting pressure
4 hours -
Germany’s Merz tells BBC Europe was free-riding on US
4 hours -
Trump loyalist Katie Miller crosses battle lines to continue work for Elon Musk
5 hours