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Uganda: Citizens Targeted in South Africa Racial Unrest
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The Monitor (Kampala)
18 May 2008
Posted to the web 19 May 2008
Hassan Isilow
At least 3 people have been killed in a week of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals living in Alexandra township, in South Africa.
Police say several women were raped and more than 40 others were hospitalised after being attacked by a mob armed with stones, whips and guns.
Residents of Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, went on a rampage this week vandalizing property belonging to foreign nationals, claiming that they (foreigners) were responsible for the increasing crime levels in the country.
Locals also accused foreign nationals of "stealing" their jobs. Three herbal shops belonging to Ugandan nationals were razed during the incident but the herbalists escaped unhurt and are currently being sheltered at Alexandra Police Station.
"All my belongings were burnt when a rowdy mob of locals attacked my herbal shop. I didn't manage to even pull out my clothes because I have been working and living here at the same time," Mr Abdullah Funa said.
The South African Red Cross society said that about 300 people had sought refuge at the Alexandra Police Station, and another 400 were at Bramely Police Station.
Captain Louise Reed, a police officer, told Sunday Monitor on Friday that at least 50 people were arrested and charged in connection with the attacks.
The attacks on the foreign residents were deemed 'hate-crimes' by the African National Congress party.
"We call on all South Africans to take a firm stand against such violent acts," party officials said in a statement.
Home Affairs minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, told journalists at Alexandra Police Station that the government had devised mechanisms to fight racial intolerance among South Africans.
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The minister said there were discussions in Parliament to devise means of combating mass migrations into the country and also protect those who legally emigrate to the economic hub of the continent.
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