Xenophobia: Protest against alleged killing of Nigerians by South Africans is reckless and unwarranted – South Africa’s Foreign Minister

South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor at a press conference in response to a planned protest by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), alleged that claims of targeted killings of Nigerians in their country were false. 

Speaking at the press conference which the Minister of Police Bheki Cele attended on Sunday August 11, Dr Naledi Pandor stated that the planned NANS protest over the recent killing of Nigerians in South Africa was reckless and unwarranted. 

Recall that LIB reported that NANS ordered South Africans and their companies operating in Nigeria to shut down within seven days and move out of the country, following the increased number of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The South African Foreign Minister said the protest does not reflect the strong ties between both countries and further insisted that everything is being done to protect and improve the relationship. 

“The protests are said to be in response to alleged killing of Nigerians by South Africans, as you are aware, these allegations are devoid of truth, they are reckless and unwarranted.

“We find these statements most unfortunate and they don’t reflect the strong relations that exist between the people and the government of South Africa and Nigeria.

“Firstly, there is no targeting of any group of Africans in South Africa, secondly, our law enforcement agencies are making every effort to fight crime and arrest criminals” she said. 

This is coming after the Chairman of National Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that eight police officers were arrested over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.