by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE South African Presidency has refuted allegations that the deaths of some foreign nationals are due to xenophobia.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office was responding to such sentiments expressed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Sunday evening.
“Most notably, the WHO’s characterisation of the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals is, unfortunately, incorrect,” the Presidency stated.
It said the events that led to the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals, which the WHO alluded to, fell within the realm of organised crime and that law enforcement agencies were investigating.
The Presidency stated that, with regard to the Mozambican nationals, the South African Police Service had said this matter was also currently under active investigation.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is set to engage with the WHO on the issue of migration at a later date.
“The engagements will outline in detail how this complex matter is being addressed by the South African government,” Ramaphosa’s office stated.
Some vigilante groups are demanding that foreign nationals leave South Africa.
They accuse them of committing crimes and contributing to rising unemployment.
– CAJ News