Xenophobia: Tension In South Africa, As Three Zimbabweans Burnt To Ashes

Zimbabweans in South Africa fear that another wave of xenophobia is looming. This follows reports that three Zimbabwean men were burnt to ashes in Limpopo.

It was gather that the three Zimbabwean men were burnt to ashes by a mob in the Mashamba area under the Makhado policing area in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.

They were burnt to death after they were found in possession of a stolen solar panel. The mob accused them of masterminding the theft of solar panels and accessories in Chavani village.

The incident was confirmed by Makhado police spokesperson Sergeant Tshifhiwa Irene Radzilani, said police investigations were underway. Police have opened three murder cases and are yet to make any arrests.

Sergeant Radzilani appealed to members of the public with any information to contact their nearest police station. She said:

“We are investigating three cases of murder, where three African males, reported to be Zimbabweans were burnt beyond recognition by a mob, which claimed to have caught them red-handed stealing cables and solar panels at Mashamba area.

“After the three Zimbabwean men were caught with a stolen solar panel, they went around with them so that they could allegedly point out the one who had sold them the panel. When they failed to find him, the trio was burnt beyond recognition by members of the community.

In the statement, Sergeant Radzilani dismissed allegations that Zimbabweans in the area have been sniffed out and chased to the bushes.

The community went with them around the Chavani village so that they can allegedly point out one of their accomplices. But however, they could not find him and the trio was burnt by members of the community. As the police we would also want to dismiss the allegations that Zimbabweans around that area have been chased to the bushes. We don’t have such a report

The incident that resulted in the death of the Zimbabweans comes a few months following the burning of Elvis Nyathi by a mob who accused him of being an illegal migrant.

Sergeant Radzilani also warned the public against engaging in mob justice.