Krugersdorp residents lead officials to the scene of an alleged brothel ran by Nigerians
Krugersdorp residents lead officials to the scene of an alleged brothel ran by Nigerians
On Monday, angry Krugersdorp residents took to the streets to bemoan inadequate policing, and the alleged negative influence of ‘illegal’ Nigerian immigrants.
The areas of Kagiso and the Windsor Mine residential area saw violent protests, and EWN are reporting 60 people have been arrested following running battles with the police. SAPS were forced to fire rubber bullets at demonstrators, who returned by throwing projectiles at the authorities.
Nigerian immigrants blamed for rise in crime
The protests have a very distinct agenda. Locals claim that they are being over-run by Nigerian immigrants. They’ve accused undocumented foreigners of leading prostitution and drug rings. What’s even more sinister is that human trafficking appears on the list of accusations against the Nigerians.
Unfortunately, some residents expressing their anger are facing accusations of xenophobia. Others feel that calling out the criminals based on their nationality is simply stating facts:
Yes this is not and I agree and sympathize with Kagiso/Krugersdorp residents wholeheartedly however when you start pointing or targeting Nigerian nationals or any other foreign nationals then it is https://t.co/sHpX1NuvqR
— The bloom (@Mokgabo_Wame) January 22, 2018
Krugersdorp is burning!! ????????????
People say they are tired of Nigerians, there’s something fundamentally wrong with some Nigerian folks in SA, some not all, lest we get accused of xenophobia #krugersdorpShutdown @SAPoliceService @MbalulaFikile pic.twitter.com/PE0LHzyBnt— Houdini (@HoudiniSA) January 22, 2018
Krugersdorp news update: What happens on Tuesday?
Ntombizethu Dijane is a community task force member for Krugersdorp. Speaking to eNCA, She confirmed that there would be a peaceful march today to hand over a memorandum to local authorities, demanding that police do more to investigate human trafficking and drug rings.
Dijane disagreed with a question that asked if xenophobia was part of the protest. She responded by telling the news team that locals are merely reacting to the situation.
Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula confirmed he would be visiting Kagiso today to ‘respond to the cries of the people’. He has promised decisive action in dealing with this issue.
