Fresh attacks on Nigerians residing in South Africa has once again emerged with Four persons in critical condition in a South African hospital, while shops and a guest house have been gutted down with fire.
Mr Paul Nwanedo, chairman, Nigerian Union, North West Province chapter told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone from Rustenburg that the attacks against Nigerians resurfaced on Sunday.
Aruwan revealed that taxi drivers in Rustenburg alleged that a Nigerian abducted and raped a 16-year-old South African girl and also alleged that Nigerians sold drugs to a local gang that attacked their members.
“This is absolutely untrue. We have investigated and found out that the allegations are false. The union is worried about the safety of our members in Rustenburg,” he said.
Nwanedo mentioned further that four Nigerians apprehended by the taxi drivers were beaten and are in critical condition in the hospital, while some shops belonging to Nigerians had been torched.
“ As I speak to you, we are afraid because the attacks have continued and our members are still in hiding.
“We have reported to the police and our national secretariat. We want the safety of lives and property of our people,” he said.
President of the union, Mr Adetola Olubajo, said the national secretariat had been informed about the incident at Rustenburg.
“ Investigation by the union shows that no Nigerian kidnapped or molested any South African girl. Certainly, no Nigerian has been arrested for the offence and we are concerned about the turn of events.
“ The lives and property of our citizens in Rustenburg are threatened and there is an urgent need for intervention. We appeal to our mission and Federal government to hastily intervene and save the situation,” Olubajo added.
Spokesman of the police in Rustenburg, Brig-Gen. Sabata Mokgwabone said the motive for the violent protest was unclear but confirmed that “ the burnt houses are those occupied by foreign nationals.”
North West Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lt.-Gen. Baile Motswenyane beckoned on the public to cooperate with law enforcement agents, adding that those perpetrating such acts are committing crime and must be dealt with.
