Calls for police to protect foreigners

2011-05-13 22:44

Johannesburg - Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) on Friday called on the police to protect foreign traders who are closing their businesses after being threatened by the Greater Gauteng Business Forum (GGBF).

"The police are tasked with protecting all persons in the country and this protection must extend to protecting foreign individuals from this kind of harassment and intimidation," said the LHR's head of refugee and migration programme, Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh, in a statement.

Ramjathan-Keogh charged that "terrified" traders were closing shop in nine areas including Freedom Park, Ramaphosa, Kagiso, Ratanda, Motsoaledi, Katlehong, Diepsloot, Tembisa and Orlando East.

The GGBF - a group of business people - "motivated by xenophobia", have distributed eviction letters to foreign-owned businesses in townships across Johannesburg.

"The GGBF has no authority to undertake these actions.

"The law does not empower private individuals to decide who is entitled to reside in the country or operate a business," said Ramjathan-Keogh.

"Only the department of home affairs is authorised to investigate whether a foreigner is residing legally in the country, while other state institutions are empowered to authorise and regulate business.

"Any concerns around these issues, must be referred to the relevant authorities."

The GGBF's actions seemed to the LHR to be motivated more by "self-interest and xenophobic sentiment" than concern over legality.

Ramjathan-Keogh expressed concern by the lack of a "forceful police response".

"We are very concerned that the police response in some instances has so far has given them a green light to continue their campaign of intimidation. We are aware that in Ramaphosa the police turned a blind eye to the unlawful actions of the GGBF and may even have assisted them with their intimidation campaign.

"LHR calls on the police to uphold law and order in the affected locations where the Greater Gauteng Business Forum are threatening to displace foreigners and foreign businesses."

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini could not immediately be reached for comment.

- SAPA