Zimbabwe Families Flee Xenophobic Attacks

Hundreds of Zimbabwean families who last week fled their homes in Makurung Village, South Africa are still hiding following the resurgence of xenophobia attacks in the Lebowakgomo district. The families were attacked by South Africans who accused them of stealing from their houses at night.

Zimbabwe’s consul-general to South Africa Mr Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro yesterday said the situation was still tense for the affected families to return to their work places.

He said he engaged the Lebowakgomo authorities after Makurung headman took long to respond to the attacks and the displacements.

The Herald (South Africa) report continues:

“Hundreds of the affected families are seeking refuge from other Zimbabwean families living in other villages in Lebowakgomo district because the situation is still tense,” said Mr Mukonoweshuro.

“I engaged the Lebowakgomo Queen after realizing the Makurung village and the police had failed to respond swiftly to the threatened situation. The Queen then summoned the headman to meet with us and we agreed that the issue must be resolved and a dozen people have been arrested now in connection with the attacks.”