Fears of xenophobic attacks on SADC poll observers allayed

from MTHULISI SIBANDA in Johannesburg, South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa has disputed media reports of no-go area zones ahead of next Wednesday’s elections.

It was reported that some members of the observer mission had some fear of being attacked by some members of the community.

Luwellyn Landers, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, disputed that there were any no no-go area zones in the country.

“Everyone in South Africa understands that people are free to move everywhere. We can assure everyone who is in our country (South Africa) for whatever project that nothing untoward will happen to them,” Landers told the observer team.

It is believed the reports of no-go area zones are linked to attacks against foreign nationals recently.

“What we witnessed a few weeks ago was purely criminal activities,” said Landers.

Landers assured the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the international community of credible polls.

“As the Government and people of South Africa, we are fully committed to peace, security and development of our continent.”

Joseph Malanji, Zambia Minister of Foreign Affairs, leads the SADC observer team.

– CAJ News