The Nigerian Union in South Africa has revealed that some business outlets owned by Nigerian nationals are among the places burned and looted by rampaging South Africans protesting the incarceration of former President, Jacob Zuma.
NUSA in a release by its President, Adetola Olubajo on Monday, stated that the union embarked on a fact-finding visit to the affected towns and identified “five businesses belonging to Nigerians looted and destroyed yesterday, Sunday.”
The union therefore warned its members in various cities in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng provinces to be vigilant and adopt safety and security measures.
Olubajo said, “The leadership of the Nigerian Community in South Africa has urged Nigerians in South Africa most especially in various cities in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Province to be vigilant and adopt safety and security measures.
“The union is highly disturbed seeing the extent of looting, destructions and violence Perpetrated by the angry protesters during our fact-finding trip to Johannesburg this morning.
“Violent protest erupted in KZN province during the weekend after the incarceration of former President of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma. Over 18 trucks were set alight, businesses looted and properties damaged. These violent protest spread on Sunday to some cities in Gauteng most especially Jeppetown, Jules Street, Hillbrow, Alexander, Springfield Park, Vosloorus areas of Johannesburg.
“These violent looting and attacks are spreading rapidly to other areas of Gauteng and KZN Province. Cars were burnt and businesses belonging to both locals and foreign nationals were looted and destroyed by angry protesters. We identified five businesses belonging to Nigerians looted and destroyed yesterday by the angry mob.
“It includes two car sales business outlet in Johannesburg
“The looting and destruction of properties continue unabated till today.
“The violence is spreading like a wildfire. Information reaching us from KZN province is that Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg, Bridge City Mall in KwaMashu and other major retail outlets in Durban CBD were set on fire after valuables were looted.
“NUSA appeals to Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding but be very vigilant. Our national secretariat has already issued safety tips to Nigerians, we will continue to give such useful information to our people.”
The riots began following the conviction of former President Jacob Zuma. He was sentenced to be jailed for 15 months after failing to attend an inquiry into corruption during his presidency.
After initially defiance, Zuma on Wednesday handed himself over to the police. He was admitted to Estcourt Correctional Centre in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
