The apparent onslaught against the Chinese community of Newcastle has left stakeholders uneasy.
Following the murder of businesswoman, Meiying Gao-Chen on October 9, residents are running scared, living in constant fear for their safety.
Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban,Wang Jianzhou, visited Newcastle on November 14 to address the community and their concerns.
“My work includes many aspects. One of them is working for the well-being to the Chinese citizens here. We’re here to look after our people,” he explained.
Mr Jianzhou said a crucial facet to of his responsibility as a leader was promoting friendship, as well as establishing ironclad trade, cultural and economic relations between South Africa and China.
“This will be my second visit to Newcastle since I arrived in South Africa last January,” he said. “During my first visit, I felt like Newcastle was a peaceful, friendly city.”
Mr Jianzhou said this time around, he felt ‘a little bit different’.
“In the past several months, something big has happened here. Three Chinese lives have been lost, and I’m very concerned.”
During his visit, he met with crime victims from the community, listening to their stories and gaining understanding of their plight.
“I’m here to comfort, and give them the confidence to continue to work and live in Newcastle,” he added.
Of the utmost important to Mr Jianzhou was meeting with Newcastle police to discuss the recent happenings.
“We discussed a number of issues. I’m here to establish a good working relationship with police, in order for us to work together to prevent crimes.”
Mr Jianzhou aims to play an instrumental role in fostering a favourable and secure working environment for his citizens.
“I have received positive response from the local police. They have promised to do their best to better protect the Chinese people.”
Furthermore, local authorities vowed to visit Chinese communities, and reassure them that crimes against them would not be tolerated.
Have the Chinese residents become targets?
Touching briefly on the recent plethora of armed robberies, Mr Jianzhou said he did not feel the Chinese community was being specifically targeted.
“Criminals target anyone who they think they can rob and get money from,” he said.
In memory of Meiying
On October 16, one of the suspects implicated in the armed robbery and eventual murder of Mrs Gao-Chen was arrested. He appeared before the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court on October 19, where he was denied bail.
On October 24, more than 200 mourners gathered at Newcastle Crematorium to bid farewell to a wife, mother and friend.
Late last week, reports surfaced from unofficial sources, who claimed two of the other culprits had been apprehended, a fact confirmed by Mr Jianzhou.
It was established three suspects would have their day in court soon.
“The police are still working on arresting others. They are confident the others will be behind bars soon. Their plan is to bring them to justice, so they can be punished,” he stated.
Despite the negativity surrounding his visit, Mr Jianzhou was positive about the future of the Chinese communities in Newcastle.
“At this point, people are still fearful. That’s why it is so important to restore peace. Let’s hope for the best,” he concluded.
The perpetrators implicated in Mrs Gao-Chen’s case will appear before the court on November 20, and the community is encouraged to keep her family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.
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