‘Respect us’ - Defence Minister Thandi Modise to crime-committing foreign nationals
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise doesn't believe the release of suspects' nationalities by police only serve to heighten xenophobic tensions.
Modise was speaking during a question-and-answer session at a media briefing of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster on Sunday.
“I think that sometimes we are too shy to say to people who cross the borders legally and illegally, who reside amongst us, who do not respect our laws, traditions and cultures that we are fed up.
“That does not turn us into people who are xenophobic,” said Modise.
Modise says they acknowledge that most syndicates in the country are run by foreign nationals.
“The truth of the matter is that most of the syndicates are not run by South Africans.
And we feel ashamed to say that.
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“It is syndicates who sometimes deal with matters which take away even the water supplies which is supposed to be routed to people and then we blame the municipality.”
Modise said while the country is open to everyone, government will not be apologetic when deporting people.
“So we need to say come stay with us yes, if you are legal. If you are not legal, please approach us for help. If you are in trouble, we will see how we help you.
“If we have to deport you, we will also not be apologetic about deporting you. But please respect us."
