BY HARRIET CHIKANDIWA LEGISLATORS yesterday expressed concern over an anti-migrant group championing Operation Dudula in neighbouring South Africa, saying the recent brutal killing of a Zimbabwean, Elvis Nyathi was xenophobic.
The issue was raised as a matter of concern by Zanu PF chief whip in the National Assembly Pupurai Togarepi.
“We feel deeply pained over how our fellow Zimbabwean national was killed in South Africa by the so-called operations; we are pained,” he said.
“It is our hope that the people of South Africa, especially those criminals who are perpetuating this activity will stop it and allow co-existence. We are confident that the South African government has the capacity to deal with these criminals and also hope that xenophobia and further killings will be stopped.”
Operation Dudula is a fast-rising anti-African immigrant sentiment in South Africa where there are frantic efforts to chase away foreigners, particularly Zimbabweans who are accused of taking away jobs from South African nationals.
Last week, Nyathi, who became the latest victim of the xenophobic violence, was stoned and burned to death in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg.
The vigilante group is led by Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini, who was arrested and released last Monday on R1 500 bail after appearing at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court.
He was arrested for theft and defeating the ends of justice when Operation Dudula members allegedly raided the home of a Soweto resident, accusing him of selling drugs.
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