South Africa: Rioters to face ‘gravest impact of law’

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africa’s president has called on law enforcement agencies to maintain vigilance in dealing with individuals or groups, who have been attacking foreign nationals and looting their businesses.

“Government will not allow sporadic lawlessness and violence to disrupt the safety and livelihoods of millions of South Africans and the majority of foreign nationals in our country who are law-abiding and have the right to conduct their lives and businesses in peace,” Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement late Monday.

The president said lawlessness is a crime against South Africa’s prosperity and stability as a nation, and those who want to upset the country’s public order must expect to face the “gravest impact of the law.”

Ramaphosa’s comments followed Sunday’s renewed attack on foreign nationals in South Africa’s largest city Johannesburg, which left two people dead and several foreign-owned businesses either looted or torched.

Rowdy mobs have been looting foreign-owned Shops in South Africa for the past week accusing foreign nationals of unfairly competing with them and taking job opportunities allegedly meant for them.

At least nine people have lost their lives since the violence began two weeks ago. The police have not yet verified the nationalities of those who were killed.

“Lawlessness, injury and death inflict a great psychological and economic cost that lasts long after victims are buried, arrests are made and streets are cleared. This cost holds back our country and undermines all the efforts we are making to grow a South Africa that offers opportunity to all who live in it,” Ramaphosa said.

Dozens of rioters have been arrested by police since violence begun and are expected to be charged in court soon for offences which include public violence and theft among others.