Alex 'getting closer to hell'

2008-05-14 21:08

Johannesburg - A new apartheid mentality, which had led to the xenophobic attacks in Alexandra township, was killing South Africa, said Archbishop of Johannesburg Buti Tlhagale on Wednesday.

"A new apartheid mentality is killing our country and our dignity," said Tlhagale - who is also president of the SA Catholic Bishops' Conference.

He said the attacks were a cause of "real shame and concern".

Perpetrators of the acts were breaking the Ten Commandments.

"'You shall not kill' stands in condemnation of the actions of the South African mob which is running amok in Alexandra," he said.

"'You shall not covet your neighbours' goods' stands in condemnation of those thugs who, out of envy, attack others who have the skills and industry to get jobs."

Tlhagale said everyone who took a step in a march in a township to protest against foreigners was "taking a step closer to hell".

He said he forbade any Catholic in the archdiocese from helping those committing the crimes or from approving their behaviour.

All Catholics and people of goodwill in Alexandra should be the first to come to the aid of their neighbours who were being ill-treated, said the archbishop.

Police needed to enforce the human rights guaranteed in the constitution.

"I call on the victims of this violence to forgive us for our sins," said Tlhagale.

- SAPA