Zimbabwe exiles attacked in South African riots

By Henry Makiwa
11 December 2007

At least three Zimbabwean exiles were severely assaulted when rioting broke out at South Africa’s squatter settlement of Mooiplaas, near Pretoria, on Monday night.

The riots followed an incident early on Monday in which residents of the informal settlement accused Zimbabweans of involvement in criminal activity. Mooiplas residents reportedly formed a gang of over a thousand people that set out to “evict all foreigners.” The exact number of casualties is yet to be established although an estimated 100 shacks, which were home to Zimbabwean immigrants, were burnt down in the ensuing riots.

It’s estimated there may be as many as 3 million people who have crossed into South Africa, in flight from Mugabe’s political repression and destruction of the economy.

Captain Paul Ramaloko of Pretoria Central Police Station said no arrests had been made but a case of arson and assault, with the intention to do grievously bodily harm, had been opened for investigation.
Peter Moyo, the editor of the online publication, www.zimgreats.com, said there is urgent need for political intervention into the matter.

He said: “The South African government needs to do more to educate it’s citizens that what is happening is a direct result of it’s failures to deal with crime and inability to reign in Mugabe. Many Zimbabweans come here already under serious psychological distresses because of the crisis at home and are thrown into situation where they have to work in conditions where they face much xenophobia. It’s up to authorities here to address these issues and put pressure on Mugabe to be responsible.”