Traders Warn S’Africa over Xenophobic Attacks

National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has warned South Africa against further xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in their country.

The traders said they had information on further attacks to target designated markets in Johannesburg, Durban and other cities in South Africa, where Nigerian traders were predominantly located and doing their legitimate businesses.

But, the traders, in a statement signed by their president, Mr. Ken Ukaoha, recalled that only a few days ago, such attacks on non-South African citizens resulted in the looting of goods and property and in the burning of shops belonging to Nigerian traders.

The statement described the series of attacks as an ugly reminder of violence against foreigners, which is not unprecedented in South Africa.

According to the statement, apart from pockets of attacks where Nigerian traders had remained the unfortunate ultimate losers. It was another sad reminder of the incident, where at least 62 people were killed in xenophobic attacks on migrants that broke out in 2008.