South African authorities say that no less than 90 persons have been arrested in connection with the xenophobic attacks on foreigners, especially Nigerians in the country.
In a statement on Tuesday by the South African Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the government denounced the widespread violence and crime as a way of addressing grievances.
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It said: “Government calls for calm and restraint in certain parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as community members raise their concerns and grievances about various issues affecting them.
“No amount of grievance or unhappiness can justify the looting of shops, destruction of properties and illegal blocking of roads. Such acts constitute a criminal offence and the law enforcement agencies must respond without any fear or favour.”
The statement further said: “With regard to the attacks on trucks, 20 individuals have been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal after responding to incidents along major routes and known hotspots in the province.
“These arrests relate to public violence and obstruction of traffic, possession of unlicensed firearms, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
“In Gauteng following the violence and looting of shops in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and the Johannesburg CBD, 70 arrests have been made in connection with public violence, malicious damage to property and theft.”
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The government implored its citizens to “remain vigilant against fake news that are being peddled through the social media platforms to fuel tensions within the respective communities.”
It warned that “anyone found to be spreading the fake stories on social media will be dealt with accordingly.”
