4 Nigerians beaten, in critical condition as fresh Xenophobic attacks rock South Africa

macfranc007 January 11, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Tunde Ososanya

- There were renewed attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa in which some taxi drivers beat four Nigerians and razed down some shops

- The chairman, Nigerian Union, North West Province chapter, said the victims were in a critical condition in the hospital

- He called on the federal government of Nigeria to intervene in the renewed attacks on Nigerians, adding that Nigerian citizens were in danger

The Nigerian community in South Africa has said that four members are in critical condition in the hospital while some shops have been burnt in renewed attacks by South Africans, NAN reports.

NAIJ.com gathered that Paul Nwanedo, Chairman, Nigerian Union, North West Province chapter stated that the attacks against Nigerians began on Sunday, January 7.

According to Nwanedo, taxi drivers in Rustenburg alleged that a Nigerian abducted and raped a 16-year-old South African girl and also alleged that Nigerians sold drugs to a local gang that attacked their members.

He said: “ This is absolutely untrue. We have investigated and found out that the allegations are false. The union is worried about the safety of our members in Rustenburg."

Nwanedo said that four Nigerians caught by the taxi drivers were beaten and are in critical condition in the hospital while some shops belonging to Nigerians had been burnt.

Nwanedo added: “ As I speak to you, we are afraid because the attacks have continued and our members are still in hiding.

“We have reported to the police and our national secretariat. We want the safety of lives and property of our people."

President of the union, Mr Adetola Olubajo, said that the national secretariat had been informed about the incident at Rustenburg.

He said: “ Investigation by the union shows that no Nigerians abducted or raped a South African girl. Indeed, no Nigerian has been arrested for the offence and we are worried about the turn of events.

“ The lives and property of our citizens in Rustenburg are in danger and there is an urgent need for intervention. We appeal to our mission and federal government to intervene urgently and save the situation."

Spokesman of the police in Rustenburg, Brig-Gen. Sabata Mokgwabone, said the reasons for the violent protest was unclear but confirmed that the burnt houses are those occupied by foreign nationals.

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North West Provincial commissioner of police, Lt.-Gen. Baile Motswenyane, called on the public to work with law enforcement officials.

He said: “Those who are doing this must know that they are committing a crime and drastic action will be taken, including against our own members who are involved in criminal activities,” he said."

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that a fresh attack was allegedly launched by South Africans on Nigerians living in Pretoria West, South Africa in the early hours of Saturday, February 18, 2017.

The president of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union, disclosed that the attacks began at 4.00am.

Nigerians protest against Xenophobia - on NAIJ.com TV