Two Nigerians have
been killed by angry South Africans in a fresh xenophobic attack, while many
others sustained various degrees of injuries. The incidents happened in
Polokwane, Limpopo province.
While Martins Cobham, Nigerian high commissioner to South
Africa, confirmed the death of a Nigerian mechanic identified as Razak Ajao,
Ralph Nwachukwu, a Nigerian in South Africa, said another Nigerian was also
killed on Thursday.
"I can confirm that a Nigerian, Razak Ajao, an auto mechanic
was killed and four others injured during a mob attack against foreigners in
Polokwane, Limpopo Province of South Africa today (Thursday)," Cobahm said.
"The Nigerian mission has formally registered a protest to
the South African ministry of foreign affairs on this sad incident.
"The ministry said they would get back to the mission and
that is the situation we are now. The mission has also reported the attacks to
the South African police.
"Meanwhile, the mission is meeting with officials of Nigeria
Union on the incident to decide on the next line of action. We will continue to
monitor the situation and keep you informed."
Nwachukwu, who could not give the names of the
victims, said the attack started when Nigerians living in that area were
holding a meeting.
"They held a meeting on Tuesday and today (Thursday) was
supposed to be a follow up. It was at the peak of the meeting that the South
African taxi drivers swooped on them.
"They accused Nigerians of peddling drugs and began to
attack them with dangerous weapons that led to the death of two while many
others were seriously injured."
Nwachukwu said Nigerians, in a bid to register their
complaint, went to police station but the commander at the station drove them
out instead of listening to them. He alleged that the commander threatened to
shoot them if they did not leave the station.
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