Photo credit: BBC
African migrants in the South African capital, Pretoria, were urged to exercise “heightened vigilance” during an anti-illegal immigration march, amid fears of xenophibic attacks.
BBC reports that hundreds of anti-immigrant lobby group March and March movement, plus other civil society organizations,marched through the streets of Pretoria, one of the largest cities and home to many migrants.
They marched through the union buildings, the official seat of the government to register their frustration over illegal migration.
The protesters are claiming the government has failed to prioritize the needs of South African citizens. They are also accusing the government of turning a blind eye to growing concerns around crime and jobs.
The demonstrators held sticks, wore March to March T=shirts and carried placards on which they wrote: “March and March until we win. If fighting for my country means I am xenophobic, then I’m proudly xenophobic”.
Businesses around the area closed their doors, as they feared the protest might turn violent.
The anti-migrant protests are coming after a series of xenophobic attacks on foreigners for the country.
Some of the protesters told BBC that the protest is about illegal migrants and joblessness in the country. They said illegal migration is a crime all over the world.
Chukwudi Ajoku, a Nigerian working as a security officer in the country refuted the claim that black foreigners sell drugs in South Africa, a claim many South Africans are holding.
Chairman Nigeria Union of South Africa Olaniyi Aboderin confirmed the deaths of the Nigerians.
The authorities in South Africa are yet to react to the allegations.
The leader of the Nigerian citizens in South Africa said they are currently living in a state of fear due to the way South Afrivcans are harassing black foreigners, especially as another anti-migrant protest is slated to be held in Pretoria and Johannesburg on Wednesday.
