Mbeki urged to call army to protect immigrants

Independent:

South Africa has been rocked by a wave of xenophobic violence that has sent thousands of immigrants in Johannesburg fleeing for shelter as mobs beat, stabbed, shot and burnt people alive.

The government was urged to deploy troops in and around the country's financial capital last night as the death toll climbed to 22, with more than 250 people arrested.

In scenes reminiscent of unrest during the apartheid era, gangs of men armed with clubs and jugs of petrol have been targeting Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Malawians and others who they claim are taking scarce jobs and houses and committing crime.

The country's Human Rights Commission supported by the opposition Democratic Alliance called on the ANC government to mobilise the army in the worst affected areas.

Refugees from Zimbabwe are bearing the brunt of the attacks. There are an estimated 3.5 million Zimbabwean refugees in South Africa out of a national total of five million illegal foreigners.

But many have now been forced to escape their shacks in townships and suburbs such as Alexandra, Diepsloot and Boksburg with only the possessions they could carry and find sanctuary at police stations where they are protected by armed officers.

Around 1,000 have taken refuge at the Central Methodist Church in central Johannesburg, which has long been a safe haven for recent newcomers from Zimbabwe.

Bishop Paul Verryn of the church said: "We consider the situation is getting so serious that the police can no longer control it."

He said thata group of armed people had approached the church on Sunday night, but police intervention had sent them away. "It is so sad. They need security, blankets, food and counselling. But most of all they just need to be treated as human beings." Emmerson Ziso fled hunger and repression in Zimbabwe, but said he plans to return. "Most of the Zimbabweans want to leave. It is better at home than here," said the former teacher, who was chased from his home by a mob on Sunday morning.

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Southern Africa is facing an unprecedented failure of leadership in several countries including Zimbabwe and South Africa. The post apartheid governments appear to have lost their way. Allowing a brutal despot like Mugabe to stay in power only compounds the problems of weak governments in adjoining countries. The problems start with Mugabe and deposing him will take the pressure off South Africa. At very least Mbeki should no longer prop up that evil regime.