SAHRC concerned at violence against foreigners in Gauteng

This comes after several houses were destroyed in Rosettenville, Johannesburg and shops were looted in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria.

Disgruntled Rosettenville residents targeted alleged drug dens and brothels and set them alight over the last two weeks.

In Pretoria, several shops were looted in Atteridgeville, Lotus and Mamelodi East yesterday afternoon and evening. Two house were also burnt down over the weekend. 

"The Commission wishes to express strong condemnation for such acts of violence. Such incidents violate human rights and leave entire families homeless and destitute and do not afford due process such as arrest, trial and defense for those accused by communities," says SAHRC spokesperson Gushwell Brooks.

Brooks says reports also state that violence was directed against foreign nationals. 

"We understand that the police are still investigating the facts relating to the two incidents and would wait until the investigation yields more information. The Commission is against and condemns any violent attacks on persons on the basis that they are foreign nationals and any destruction of property as both violate human rights of people, despite the reason," says Brooks.

Brooks says the Commission is calling on all South Africans to reflect the spirit of our Constitution in all our dealings with people of all nationalities, and re-iterate its commitment to a society based in the rule of law and respect of fundamental human rights. 

"We ask that the relevant authorities to intervene to allay the communities' concerns related to crime. We further ask that leaders within these communities take a stance against xenophobia and display the leadership necessary to create social cohesion and safe communities for all," says Brooks.