The IFP says there is an urgent need for an investigation into the reported
claims of xenophobia in the Mayfair area of Johannesburg.
"These claims are of grave concern, as xenophobia appears to be becoming
endemic and systemic in some areas. There needs to be an urgent
investigation and intervention into claims by the grouping who are calling
themselves the South African Blacks' Association, that they will burn down
houses, kill children and burn down foreigners' shops. These are extremely
serious threats," said Mr VB Ndlovu, IFP Spokesperson on Police in
Parliament.
Ndlovu added,"The IFP believes that there are other ways of raising concerns
by communities into socioeconomic issues. In 2008, this country experienced
xenophobic riots, when many foreigners were killed. Communities do not want
to experience that kind of violence again."
The Intelligence services of the country must be able to identify the
leaders of the groups intimidating people and threatening chaos around the
country for their own benefit.
The IFP calls on the State Security Agency, the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees, The International Organisation for Migration, and
the South African Human Rights Commission to work closely with the SAPS to
stabilize the situation before it spirals out of control.