Johannesburg mayor under fire over xenophobic comments against Malawians and other immigrants
Amnesty International has blasted Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba for suggesting that Malawians and other immigrants living in the city are criminals.
While addressing the media to mark 100 days in office on 1 December, Mashaba labelled foreign nationals as “criminals” who have hijacked Johannesburg.
But the international organisation has described Mashaba’s comments as “dangerous and divisive” saying the mayor risks inspiring a wave of xenophobic attacks across South Africa.
“His reckless utterances are based on prejudice against migrants. Rather than making comments that risk fanning the flames of xenophobic attacks, the authorities must act to counter stereotypes, eradicate discrimination and foster greater equality in South Africa,” Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa Sicel’mpilo Shange-Buthane said.
According to Shange-Buthane, Mashaba’s comments also undermine human rights and the bill of rights in South Africa’s constitution which affirm the right of everyone in the country not to be discriminated against.
“As a high-profile politician, Herman Mashaba should avoid making such provocative statements that can cause serious harm in society,” Shange-Buthane said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Amnesty has called on South African authorities to move swiftly to counter such dangerous remarks and make it clear that violence and discrimination against Malawians and other immigrants will not be tolerated.
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Three Malawian nationals who were transporting the children are in police custody.
The men – aged between 25 and 36 – had refused to open the back of truck when they were apprehended by the police on Sunday. When police opened the truck‚ two children fell to the ground‚ acting National Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane said.
“This tells you that these children were being transported as if they were goats.
“They are well looked after by under the auspices of the Department of Social Development in the North West Province [as] these centres provide support and care in line with the Child Care Act‚” said Phahlane.
PRETORIA (Malawi NewsNow)- Two Malawi nationals have been in South African media for wrong reasons after being arrested by police for violent armed robbery.
The two Malawians were among six armed robbers who stole from a shop in Pretoria.
Regina Nsona, a Malawian woman in South Africa has been listed among the most wanted suspects in the rainbow nation.
According to South African police, Nsona was a domestic worker and is believed to have assisted other criminals to steal from the house of her boss.
Five Malawian nationals have been arrested in Johannesburg in South Africa.
South African Police Service said the five Malawians who were not identified were apprehended after they shot two Ethiopians on Thursday afternoon.
South Africa Police“We have arrested five Malawians in connection to the shooting of two Ethiopian nationals and we will make more arrests. We are opening a case of murder,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Kay Makhubela.
It is not yet known why the Malawians shot the two Ethiopian nationals. According to reports, the victims were in their shop when the group of assailants entered and shot them.
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