'Xenophobia can easily mutate into genocide,' says Jonathan Moyo

Information minister, Jonathan Moyo, hit out on Tuesday at xenophobic attacks in South Africa, warning that xenophobia could "easily mutate" into genocide.

"King [Goodwill] Zwelithini must extinguish what he ignited. Xenophobia is a crime against humanity," Moyo tweeted in one of the first public reactions from a Zimbabwe government official to the wave of violence that has horrified many Zimbabweans.

"Xenophobia today can easily mutate into genocide tomorrow. Stop It," Moyo said, using the hashtag #AfrophobiainSAMustEnd.

Meanwhile, there have been calls on Zimbabwean social media for locals to boycott a show by Durban-based group Big Nuz in protest against the xenophobic violence. The group is due to perform in Bulawayo on Friday.

Not everyone agrees with a boycott. Twitter user @patphiri said: "So are people also going to boycott #SABC soapies/ SA PSL/ SA booze kumbe #BigNuz #Cassper are the fall guys."

Mduduzi Mathuthu, editor of the state-controlled Chronicle newspaper, tweeted: "Shrill calls to bar Big Nuz from performing in Byo on Friday over SA #xenophobia. I prefer Big Nuz to come, perform and condemn #xenophobia."