China to probe alleged ill-treatment of Africans
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has welcomed steps by Chinese officials to investigate the alleged mistreatment of African nationals in the country.
This comes after several reports detailing the concerns of some African leaders about the alleged discrimination against Africans by authorities in the southern city of Guangzhou.
According to reports, Africans have been evicted from their apartments and refused entry to restaurants in an apparent attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The department’s Lunga Ngqengelele has described the reports as alarming.
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The two are expected to appear in court on Tuesday. The two men, aged 24 and 33, were arrested after they ignored border officials who told them they could not enter South Africa as it is under lockdown. They managed to evade the border officials but were later nabbed at a guesthouse in Durban.
“South Africa is deeply concerned about reports of alleged ill-treatment of African nationals in China, including the forceful testing, quarantining for Covid-19 and other inhuman treatment.”
He adds: “Reports of these alleged actions are inconsistent with the excellent relations that exist between China and Africa, dating back to China’s support during the decolonisation struggle in Africa, and now manifesting in an extensive Africa-China partnership.”
Ngqengelele says Chinese officials have vowed to investigate the claims.
“We also welcome the assurance by the Chinese authorities that it is not the policy of China to discriminate against African nationals.”