JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — South Africa’s acting police minister has vowed to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, after Ghana summoned Pretoria’s envoy in Accra to demand action over violence targeting Ghanaian citizens.
Firoz Cachalia on Friday strongly condemned what he described as xenophobic acts of violence and intimidation directed at Ghanaian nationals and other foreign nationals, saying the South African Police Service had been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation.
“All those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts,” he said, adding that acts of xenophobia, looting or intimidation would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He called on community leaders and civil society organisations to work with law enforcement to prevent further violence and promote dialogue, describing South Africa as a constitutional state where no individual or group had the authority to take the law into their own hands.
The statement came after Ghanaian foreign minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa summoned acting high commissioner Thando Dalamba in Accra to convey Ghana’s “strong condemnation” of what he described as continuous xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other Africans living in South Africa.
Ablakwa said Ghana expected promised investigations to be expedited and all perpetrators punished, and warned that the ministry would communicate further steps taken in due course.
South Africa has periodically experienced bouts of anti-foreigner violence targeting African migrants and traders, drawing repeated criticism from neighbouring states and human rights organisations.
