Xenophobic attacks a 'dire situation'

2008-05-22 08:58

Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa on Tuesday condemned xenophobic violence in the province, saying top police management would decide on a possible army deployment.

"The decision to deploy the army should not be a political decision, but that of senior managers of the police, based on their assessment of the situation and required capacity," he told the Gauteng Legislature.

"We welcome the decision to deploy additional police in affected areas in the province. I hope this will go a long way to bringing the situation under control without having to involve the army."

Shilowa said an inter-ministerial task team had been established to monitor the situation in xenophobic hotspots across the province.

"Yes the situation is dire and we must intervene and intervene forcefully. What kind of nation are we building?" he asked. "One which rejoices at someone who is burning, who is engulfed by flames?"

A few years ago the country was shocked at hearing that apartheid agents were "having a braai while burying bodies" Shilowa said. "The same abhorrence should apply here."

Shilowa said the attacks had elements of xenophobia and criminality but rejected calls that a state of emergency be declared.

"While the declaration of the state of emergency is a prerogative of the president of the republic, it is important that such a declaration not be made lightly and in haste.

"A state of emergency implies that the life of a nation is threatened by war, invasion, or general insurrection.

"My view is that the current situation, dire as it is, can be handled without resorting to the declaration of a state of emergency," Shilowa said.

Democratic Alliance leader in Gauteng Jack Bloom called on the legislature to mandate an army deployment. "With our townships burning we need a show of force," he said.

Bloom will address the legislature in a special session on the state of xenophobic attacks in Gauteng around 1pm on Tuesday.

The attacks, which started last week, have left behind a trail of destruction, which has so far claimed 23 lives and left up to 10 000 people seeking refuge in shelters.

- SAPA