Limpopo govt condemns the attacks on foreign nationals in the province

LIMPOPO – FIFTEEN suspects who were arrested in connection with the recent looting and setting alight of shops owned by Somalian, Ethiopian and Pakistani nationals are expected to appear before the Thabazimbi magistrate’s court this week.

They are facing charges of public violence, arson, house-breaking and possession of stolen property.

The suspects made their first court appearance last Wednesday. They were denied bail and remanded in custody.

They allegedly broke into foreign-owned shops on the night of Freedom Day, April 27 and looted grocery items.

The police have since recovered some of the allegedly stolen goods from the suspects.

In the wake of the chaotic situation, the public order policing unit was deployed to the area to maintain peace and stability.

Provincial government spokesperson, Phuti Seloba, said it was estimated that 50 foreign nationals, including women and children, had temporarily sought refuge at a community hall, but some were worried that their remaining stock would be stolen and that their means of living would be under threat.

“The Limpopo government adheres to the premise that South Africa belongs to everyone who lives in it. This implies that even foreign nationals are entitled to live in South Africa and be protected by the law. People who have resorted to helping themselves to goods stolen from foreigners should refrain from the illicit acts and never allow those shameful deeds to occur again.

“We are a listening government and people with issues must raise them so that government can study and implement the resolutions,” Seloba said.

The provincial government also expressed thanks to those residents who had been living in harmony with foreigners for years without conflicts.

Thabazimbi mayor, Patricia Mosito, also condemned the incident, saying: “one way or another, this thing was organised because people cannot just wake up and start engaging in these criminal acts. It is criminal to attack foreign nationals … it’s not something that we can condone”.

Provincial police spokesperson, Ronél Otto, also expressed disapproval of the recent incident. “We are not going to tolerate any criminal behaviour; people must know that we will arrest and make sure that those charged will be prosecuted,” Otto said.