Cape Town - A number of foreign nationals in KwaNokuthula in Plettenberg Bay have fled to safety following alleged threats of violence from some residents who want them to leave their community.
A group of families, women and children sought refuge at the local police station on Monday and were placed in a community hall after residents allegedly forced them to leave the area.
Residents of KwaNokuthula handed over a petition to Bitou Municipality Mayor Dave Swart earlier this month, raising concerns about the presence of “illegal foreign nationals”.
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said a case of public violence would be opened and investigated.
“Preliminary reports reveal that members of the local community mobilised themselves since Tuesday morning to disrupt and prevent foreign nationals from operating their businesses or going to work, alleging that they deprive locals of obtaining work.
“It is alleged that foreigners were threatened with violence. “Public Order Police and local SAPS members were then deployed in the area and later dispersed the group of local residents.
“Members attached to the Public Order Police based in George are still being deployed in KwaNokuthula near Plettenberg Bay to monitor and stabilise the volatile situation that erupted between local residents and foreign nationals who reside in the area. A case of public violence will be opened and investigated. No fatalities have been reported thus far.
Nor has any arrests been made,” he said.
Swart said he was disappointed that some elements of the community had taken matters into their own hands.
He said residents had handed over the petition with a number of demands which were addressed and responded to.
“These responses were provided to the leadership of the KwaNokuthula Community structure and they reported this to the community.
“Unfortunately some members of the community took matters into their own hands instead of raising any unhappiness with Bitou Municipality.
“Despite this, the municipality remains committed to calming the situation with the help of all the stakeholders. Discussions with all the stakeholders have been ongoing since early this morning.
“It is in everyone’s best interest to find peace and understanding because we can ill afford any negativity that could have dire consequences on our efforts to rebuild the economy and create jobs,” said Swart.
Cape Times