Four Nigerians are in critical condition in the hospital while some shops have been burnt in renewed attacks by South Africans.
Mr Paul Nwanedo, chairman, Nigerian
Union, North West Province chapter said on the telephone from Rustenburg
that the attacks against Nigerians began on Sunday.
He said 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 said that four Nigerians
caught 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.
Mr Adetola Olubajo, President of the
union, said that the national secretariat had been informed about the
incident at Rustenburg.
“Investigation by the union shows that
no Nigerians abducted or raped a South African girl. Indeed, no
Nigerian has been arrested for the offence and we are worried about the
turn of events.
“The lives and property of our
citizens in Rustenburg are in danger and there is an urgent need for
intervention. We appeal to our mission and Federal government to
intervene urgently and save the situation,” Olubajo said.
Spokesman of the police in Rustenburg,
Brig-Gen. Sabata Mokgwabone said the reasons 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 called on the public to work with law
enforcement officials.
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