Dbn attacks 'not xenophobic'

2009-01-07 11:33

Durban - The Durban attack which claimed the lives of two foreign nationals and critically injured a third foreigner was not xenophobic, Albert Park councillor Vusi Khoza said on Wednesday.

At a meeting on Tuesday night, it was established that the attacks were "a reaction of the community to crime", he said.

"Opportunists were beginning to paint a picture that it was xenophobia but it was not," said Khoza.

Some foreigners, however, argued that decisions taken at the meeting were not unanimous as they (the foreigners) were not given enough opportunity to voice their concerns.

A Zimbabwean and a Tanzanian fell to their deaths on Sunday when they tried to escape from a group wielding bush knives.

Superintendent Vincent Mdunge said media reports confirming three deaths were incorrect.

"Only two people had died."

Victor Zowa, 25, and Omar Said, 24, were confirmed dead while a 23-year-old Mozambican, who was also forced off the building, survived.

He is currently in a critical condition at a local hospital.

Mob shouted for 'amakwerekwere'

Omar Osman, chairperson of the International Refugee Service, said he disagreed with Khoza.

"I feel these attacks were xenophobic because if the mob was targeting criminals, why not South African criminals.

"If it was criminals they were after, why not go to each and every building? Why are they only coming to buildings where foreigners live? Why when they enter do they shout for amakwerekwere?" he questioned.

Amakwerekwere is a derogatory term for foreigners used by South Africans.

Mdunge said police had ruled out xenophobia.

No arrests had been made.

- SAPA