Zambia warns nationals living in South Africa to be cautious after fresh xenophobic attacks

LUSAKA, March 27 — The Zambian government on Wednesday warned its nationals living in South Africa to take extra care following reports of fresh xenophobic attacks against foreigners.
There have been reports of foreign nationals living in South Africa being attacked especially in Kwazulu Natal Province. Gruesome videos have been posted on social media showing foreign nationals being attacked.

While revealing that no single Zambian has been affected so far, Emmanuel Mwamba, Zambia’s Ambassador to South Africa urged nationals to be careful and that the embassy was closely monitoring the situation.

“We are concerned about reported attacks of foreign nationals living in South Africa. We have noted with deep concern reports of what appears to be sudden rise of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals living in South Africa,” he said in a release.

He said the community of African Diplomats in South Africa will seek immediate engagement with the South African authorities in order to get a clear understanding on the sudden recurrence of xenophobic attacks.

He further called for responsible statements from South African politicians ahead of the national polls in May, adding that any careless remarks against foreign nationals living in that country has potential to spark heightened hatred, destruction of property and loss of life. – XINHUA