Xenophobic violence ‘under control’

State Security Minister David Mahlobo has assured the country that the government has contained the xenophobic violence.

He dismissed the argument by the opposition that there was intelligence failure, insisting that the genesis for the xenophobic violence was an industrial dispute.

Mahlobo told journalists in Parliament on Tuesday, before his budget vote speech, that the situation was under control after the government intervened.

South Africa was gripped by xenophobic violence a few weeks ago that left more than half a dozen people dead, including three South Africans.

Mahlobo said their response to flush out criminals, through an intensive operation with the police and other departments, had been welcomed by citizens.

The SAPS, Home Affairs and intelligence agencies have raided hotspots to root out criminals and illegal immigrants.

Mahlobo said State Security’s focus was also to monitor other threats facing the country.

“We want to reassure South Africans that the country does not face any discernable threats. We will continue to work hard and remain vigilant at all times,” he said.

The xenophobic violence had been sparked by an industrial dispute in Isipingo, Durban, where a shopowner fired locals and hired foreigners, he said.

During the debate on the budget vote, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa called on Mahlobo to tighten intelligence agencies.

He said the country was caught on the back foot when sporadic violence broke out.

Freedom Front Plus MP Pieter Groenewald called on Mahlobo to apologise to the nation for the intelligence failure to pick up the violence on foreigners.

He said the intelligence had agencies slept on the job when the xenophobic violence started.

Mahlobo dismissed claims that there was an intelligence failure, saying it was an industrial dispute that escalated into a security matter.

He added the government would deal with crime whenever it reared its head.

“As South Africa, we should refuse to be part of the unnecessary attacks on innocent people merely because they happen to be foreigners,” Mahlobo said.

“We know very well that it is incorrect to argue that crime is committed mainly by non-South Africans. Even if we suspect or have evidence that some people are engaged in crime, we should work with the police so that these criminals are arrested.”

- The Star