Zimbabwe denies knowledge of SA xenophobic attacks

THE Zimbabwean government is facing growing domestic scrutiny after telling Parliament it is unaware of widespread xenophobic violence in neighbouring South Africa, despite mounting concern among Zimbabwean migrants living there.

The issue surfaced during a parliamentary debate after Warren Park legislator Shakespeare Hamauswa asked Government to explain what diplomatic and practical measures it was taking to protect Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa.

Responding in Parliament, Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, said the Government was monitoring developments through diplomatic channels but had not received reports from embassies indicating widespread attacks or killings.

"We are working with the embassies through the diplomatic channels that we have for our Zimbabweans facing difficulties or humiliation or any other illegal activities that are not good," Ziyambi said.

"As for now, we have not heard through the embassies that there is a lot of beating and killing that is happening in South Africa, but what we heard is that there are people who went on the streets to demonstrate and the government of South Africa did not support it."

Zimbabwe reiterated that maintaining public order within South Africa falls under the responsibility of South African authorities, particularly the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The concerns follow recent anti-immigrant demonstrations and campaigns in cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria, which have heightened anxiety among migrant communities, including Zimbabweans.

Ziyambi downplayed fears of an immediate crisis, describing the incidents largely as demonstrations by groups protesting in the streets.

"As the government, we work together with the government of South Africa and we are doing everything according to law. So, if there are people who have done something that is outside the law in South Africa, it is the duty of the police officers in South Africa to apprehend them and make sure that each and every individual is following the law," he said.

"If you are a neighbour, you remain a neighbour. You cannot go to their home and teach them what to do. You remain a good neighbour."

He stressed that Zimbabwe respects South Africa's sovereignty and expects its law enforcement agencies to handle any criminal conduct arising from protests or anti-immigrant activities.

"From our diplomatic relations with South Africa, we also encourage each other, even here in Zimbabwe; if someone comes and is found on the wrong side of the law, that person is apprehended because he or she is forced to follow our laws," he said.

Legal analysts, however, warned that escalating anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa could strain regional relations and place pressure on Pretoria from fellow African governments concerned about the safety of their citizens living there.