Angry South African mob burns down six guest houses owned by Nigerians in North West Province

SIX guests houses owned by Nigerians have been burnt down in South Africa as irate mobs have stepped up their xenophobic attacks on foreigners once again with an outbreak of violence in Rustenburg in the North West Province.

Over recent years, South African mobs have been attacking other Africans in the country in response to the contracting economy. Nigerians have borne the brunt of these attacks as their businesses and homes  have regularly been targeted and several Nigerians have been killed by marauding mobs.

Yesterday, Paul Nwanedo, the chairman of the Nigerian Union of South Africa in the North West Province, confirmed six guest houses owned by his members were burnt during attacks by taxi drivers in Rustenburg. He added that the attackers beat a woman and her child when they carried out the raid.

Mr Nwanedo said: “These attacks began on Sunday. Four Nigerians are in critical condition in the hospital and we also received a report that the taxi drivers also beat a Nigerian woman and her child.

“We can also confirm that six guest houses belonging to our people were burnt by the drivers. We have not recorded any incident today but we have advised our people to remain indoors and ensure their safety.

He added that the union was still taking stock of losses by Nigerians and would communicate to appropriate federal government representatives in South Africa. Apparently, local taxi drivers went on the rampage following allegations that Nigerians sold drugs to a gang that attacked their members.

They also alleged that a Nigerian abducted and raped a 16-year-old South African girl. Mr Nwando said the allegations were false and spurious and no Nigerian has been arrested for alleged abduction or rape, while the allegation of drugs selling to the gang is also untrue.