Soweto violence worrisome - MDC-T

MDC T in Johannesburg is very worried and disturbed by the horrific attacks and looting of foreign owned businesses and properties in Soweto. The disturbances are a culmination of a failed robbery, whereby a group of young criminals attempted to rob a Somalian owned shop. The attempted robbery resulted into a discharge of an illegal firearm, by a Somalian shop owner, that killed a 14 year old, who was part of the robberies gang .This prompted an attack of all foreign owned businesses in Soweto.

Though it has not yet been officially dismissed as xenophobic attacks, our belief is that they are attacks against foreigners. Its only shops and business owned by foreigners that are being targeted.

Its quite unfortunate that a criminal activity has turned into attacks against everyone African, who is not a South African. We urge members of the community to let the law take its course. The authorities should be left to discharge their constitutional duties against the robbery and the murder thereafter.

South Africa as a constitutional democracy, has managed to establish an effective prosecuting and justice system over the years, which is Independent and competent. Residents of Soweto should let the authorities deal with the criminal element, rather than attacking anything African and foreign.

The rate at which the attacks are spreading into other communities is of great concern to us .The authorities should move with hasty, efficiency and try to contain the unrest before it escalates.

We are not only shocked but deplored by allegations that some members of the South African Police Services are also taking part in the attacks and looting. We urge such elements to desist from such cowardly act and execute their constitutional duties as expected. If not, who will then protect the vulnerable ones?

Soweto is part to our rich African history. Its a historical township, a place that represent African resistance against colonial injustice and imperialism. A place that represent a just cause, the Mandela township.The likes of the Soweto Youth Uprising against Apartheid rule. June 16 1976 uprising, which began in Soweto and spread across the country. In contrast, today the township is headlining for the wrong reason, criminal cause.

The disturbances, are a slap in the face of President Jacob Zuma, who is currently attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Where he is leading a push to bolster South Africa's standing as a viable, safe and stable investment destination, for foreign investments and businesses.

At this difficulty and challenging moment, we urge our MDC T members and Zimbabweans at large, living in Soweto and affected areas, to be alert and make sure that their families and properties are out of harm. We also urge them to move out of Soweto to a place of safety immediately, until the situation is contained and subdued by the authorities.

Lastly, we need to applaud influential Organizations like COSATU, which has come out to condemn the attacks. COSATU dismissed the unrest as barbaric and "pure criminality and should be treated as such" and that " the problems we face- unemployment, poverty and crime must never be blamed on people on the bases of their country of origin" said Patrick Craven Congress of South Africa Trade Unions, spokesperson.

Lft Gen Simbarashe Mujeye
MDC T Johannesburg Spokesperson
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