•A man holding a stick during the planned March and March demonstration in Durban, South Africa, today
There is disquiet in South Africa this morning following fears of nationwide protests by locals calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, especially Africans.
According to investigations by our correspondent, businesses and shops remained locked up as of this morning, reports The Nation.
The streets are also deserted, while locals were seen gathering at their designated points to begin the nationwide protests.
The President of the Nigeria Citizens Association in South Africa, Rev Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed that security agencies have been deployed to prevent looting of businesses and shops.
He said, “This morning, everywhere is quiet. People are all indoors.
“Shops are closed. Businesses are closed. Malls and supermarkets are all closed.
“People are just staying inside their houses.
“They march, and people are gradually gathering at their designated points.”
He, however, hinted at a heavy police presence.
“But there is a heavy police presence. The army was also dispatched to assist the police. The public police department personnel were also released to help the Metro Police contain the protesters so they would not turn the protests into looting or violence.”
He also disclosed efforts by some foreign nationals to confront the locals on Monday.
According to him, police intervention was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“Yesterday (Monday), there was a serious standoff from some foreign nationals who, you know, got tired of being molested and intimidated, took a stand against them, confronting the protesters, but police came in to disperse the gathering and managed to restore order.”
He, however, said NICASA is monitoring the situation.
Onyekwelu had earlier told our correspondent of steps taken to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals in South Africa during the protests, saying that the association has been working closely with the Nigerian Consulate to address issues and to provide guidelines.
He said, “Okay, regarding the 30th June deadline, we have been working hand in hand with our consulates and missions. “We have issued a public notice to engage our people to apply caution in their movements, protect themselves first, and safeguard their businesses or properties. “We’ve engaged with some security personnel who will also help pass information across to us or from us to the government regarding any security situation or incident; if any of our nationals have a situation, they will quickly alert us while we alert the government.”
He also said Nigerians have been advised to shut their businesses on the set date.
“Above all, we encourage people, especially on the 30th, if possible, to close their shops and businesses, take out their valuables from their businesses to avoid looting, and stay indoors. They should have enough airtime and data on their phones, stay in touch with their families and loved ones, and expect communications from our approved channels so that we can always hear their cries. If anything is happening where they are, they can easily reach out to someone who will reach out to someone else. “So far, we also encourage them to be law-abiding and not to engage if there are protests on that day. If there are South Africans marching around, they shouldn’t confront them; they should not engage them or, you know, block their way.
“Even those who will be driving or have a need to move around at all should avoid the hotspot areas and the strategic corners that might put their lives in danger. And as much as it can, avoid travelling that day, whether within the province or outside the province.”
