Update: Attacks Are Sporadic Acts Of Violence, Not Xenophobic, Says South African Envoy

The South African High Commissioner To Nigeria, Bobby Moro,has described the ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa which is said to be mainly targeting Nigerians as “sporadic acts of violence” and not xenophobic.

Speaking to the media after a closed door meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he said that the whole issue has been blown out of proportion by the social media, saying that many of the videos on social media were not from the current attacks.

Recall that the South African High Commissioner was reluctantly summoned by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, after several calls on social media that the attacks has reached such an alarming rates that  government should take actions by summoning the Envoy. Onyeama has been more of an aloof diplomat than a reactive one.

Many videos have gone viral on the treatment of foreigners in South Africa, showing how many are being killed and shops set ablaze after being looted.

Meanwhile, in a sort of frenzied reaction, some hoodlums have reportedly torched the MTN office in Apapa, Lagos. Nigerians are reportedly the the majority shareholders in the company which employs thousands of Nigeria. Attacking South African interests will only worsen the unemployment situation.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian High commission in South Africa has released a statement on the issue, directing victims to come to the High Commission and report.

Previously, there were reports that the High Commission shut its doors on victims seeking succor.