BBC Online :
More than 300 people have been arrested in South Africa in connection with a wave of violence against immigrants from other parts of Africa, the minister of home affairs says.
Malusi Gigaba issued a warning to those responsible, saying that they would be subject to “the full might of the law”. At least six people have been killed in the past two weeks. Armed groups have targeted shops run by African immigrants, accusing them of taking jobs from locals.
Thousands of foreigners have fled their homes to shelter in makeshift camps, and neighbouring Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique have
announced plans to evacuate citizens.
Speaking during a news conference, Mr Gigaba said 307 people were arrested in connection with the violence.
“Everything is being done to restore peace and order,” he said. “The government will enforce the laws of the country and will not hesitate to act speedily and decisively.
“We also want to issue a stern warning to those who lend themselves to acts of public violence: We will find you, and you will be dealt with to the full might of the law.”
More than 300 people have been arrested in South Africa in connection with a wave of violence against immigrants from other parts of Africa, the minister of home affairs says.
Malusi Gigaba issued a warning to those responsible, saying that they would be subject to “the full might of the law”. At least six people have been killed in the past two weeks. Armed groups have targeted shops run by African immigrants, accusing them of taking jobs from locals.
Thousands of foreigners have fled their homes to shelter in makeshift camps, and neighbouring Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique have
announced plans to evacuate citizens.
Speaking during a news conference, Mr Gigaba said 307 people were arrested in connection with the violence.
“Everything is being done to restore peace and order,” he said. “The government will enforce the laws of the country and will not hesitate to act speedily and decisively.
“We also want to issue a stern warning to those who lend themselves to acts of public violence: We will find you, and you will be dealt with to the full might of the law.”
