Mashaba: Joburg facing ‘world cup of crimes’
Outgoing Johannesburg Mayor Herman
Mashaba says he cannot be blamed for the refugees who are camping outside the
United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHRC).
Close to 200 refugees have been camping outside the UNHRC offices for close to a month in Brooklyn, Pretoria.
They are asking the UN to escort them out of South Africa and resettle them overseas for safety reasons.
Alex Mongo Nkoy, an organiser of the stay-in protest at the UNHRC, believes Mashaba’s statements have incited violence against foreign nationals.
But Mashaba says he cannot be blamed for people who decided to come into the country without following proper procedures.
“The constitution of South Africa is very, very clear… relating to immigration and the role of home affairs. So, if anyone has to be blamed, blame the authors of our constitution.”
Some 7800 foreign nationals have been arrested since Mashaba assumed office three years ago.
Zimbabwean nationals top the list, followed by Mozambicans at 1382 and Nigeria nationals.
Mashaba says the city of Johannesburg is facing a “world cup of crimes” when one takes into account the number of nationalities arrested in the city.
“When we talk about illegal immigration, people jump to the conclusion that we are facing problems from Africa, we are facing an international crime problem in Johannesburg.”
The incumbent mayor hopes his successor will continue to support the metro police in enforcing law and order.
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