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Threats of xenophobic violence disturbing
Zimbabwe Democracy Now (ZDN)
July 13, 2010

Zimbabwe Democracy Now and the Zimbabwe Exiles' Forum, in partnership with Zimbabwean civics in the Diaspora and the Zimbabwean Solidarity movements in South Africa, are deeply concerned by the threats of xenophobic violence that have been escalating in recent weeks. It is alleged that South African citizens in informal communities and in the inner cities of South Africa have issued warnings of the attacks. Non-nationals have been advised to vacate buildings and their homes to avert violence that may descend on them now that the final whistle of the World Cup has been blown. Many Zimbabweans from Cape Town and the Eastern Cape are currently travelling to Johannesburg with all their belongings, on their way back to Zimbabwe where they face an uncertain and, in the case of known activists, a potentially dangerous future.

These allegations are heightened despite the spirit of unity and solidarity fostered by South Africa's successful hosting of the World Cup tournament and Ghana's qualification to the semi-finals.

South Africa has become home to more than 3 million Zimbabweans who have fled their country due to the crisis that has prevailed over the past decade. The economy has been brought to its knees and Zimbabwe continues to be held to ransom by the Zanu PF elite which clearly has no intention of relinquishing power and has refused to honour crucial aspects of the Global Political Agreement (GPA).

We condemn the resurfacing of threats of xenophobic violence and call on the South African government to publicly condemn forced evictions and any form of violence against non-nationals. To this end, we urge President Jacob Zuma to publicly denounce elements that are fanning fears of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

We call on the Department of Safety and Security to take preventative measures by maintaining a visible presence in likely hotspots. We further call upon the Minister of Justice to make public how many cases of previous attacks have so far been finalised in the courts. We implore him to also consider utilizing the special courts of justice set up during the World Cup to deal with xenophobic offenders.

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