Xenophobic attacks: Acknowledge contributions of others to your freedom – Lydia Forson to South Africans
Social media users have reacted in disgust and horror following reports of fresh xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Several videos capturing harrowing scenes have emerged of South Africans subjecting other African nationals to beatings and other forms of torture.
Outspoken Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson has added her voice to the many calling for an intervention.
According to her, most South Africans do not know the sacrifices and contributions other African Nationals made in pursuit of their (South Africans) freedom, hence the reason for such xenophobic attacks.
“This is why history is extremely important to a people- not enough South Africans know/understand the contributions of many African countries to their freedom.” She wrote
This is why history is extremely important to a people- not enough South Africans know/understand the contributions of many African countries to their freedom.
— Miss Forson (@lydiaforson) September 2, 2019
The oppressed, when given power are sometimes worse than their oppressors.
— Miss Forson (@lydiaforson) September 2, 2019
BACKGROUND
Police in South Africa have been overwhelmed by looters in the latest round of xenophobic attacks by residents of Jappestown, an area close to commercial hub, Johannesburg.
Multiple local media outlets said rampant looting of shops and torching of buildings had been registered in the riots. The portals add that looters have targeted businesses of foreigners.
Elsewhere rioters have blocked roads and burnt tyres obstructing movement of persons and vehicles. The police have been caught in running battles with them across parts of Johannesburg.
A police statement confirmed the situation and said forty-one people have been arrested following the incidents. Police also fired rubber bullets at looters in another Johannesburg suburb, Turffontein.
According to police, the chaotic clashes followed the deaths of three people in a fire in an “old building”.
“While we were still investigating with emergency services, people that were around started taking advantage of the situation and looted shops,” police spokesman Capt Mavela Masondo is quoted as saying.
The News24 portal tweeted several short videos of the incidents of looting as people broke down gates of shops and entered to grab items of their choice.
The Nigerian and Zambian governments have since issued statements condemning the incidents and cautioning their citizens.
Nigeria’s foreign minister is on record as saying South Africa had failed to protect Nigerian businesses whiles Zambia has instructed bus companies and drivers to step down all travel to South Africa till further notice.