The Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa is pinning its hopes on the South African government to deliver following the brutal murder of a Zimbabwean national in that country last week.
Elvis Nyathi (43) who hailed from Malaba, in Matobo District, Matabeleland South was stoned and burnt to death by a mob in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg under Operation Dudula, a South African anti-immigrant vigilante group.
Following Nyathi’s death, many have questioned whether South Africa’s justice system will act swiftly to bring the suspects to book.
In a statement, the Zimbabwean Embassy said it is working with the South African government to get to the root of the problem.
“The embassy and the Consulates wish to urge all Zimbabwe nationals, particularly those in Diepsloot to remain calm in the face of adversity. The embassy and the consulates are working with the host government authorities to get to the root of the problem,” said the embassy.
“We continue to pin our hopes on the ability of the host government’s justice delivery system to bring the perpetrators to book. We reiterate our call to all our nationals to immediately establish contact with the embassy and the two consulates in times of distress.”
The embassy also consoled Nyathi’s family.
“The embassy and the consulates wish to express their deepest condolences to the bereaved family, especially the wife who tried all she could to plead with the assailants to win freedom for her husband. Unfortunately, all that was in vain instead she was robbed of the only amount of money that was on her.”
Leader of the African Diaspora Global Network, Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda, told CITE the lack of leadership at both community and central government level was concerning.
“How does the world look aside when a person is attacked by people subscribing to a well-known group and the group leaders who incite violence are walking the streets freely and not charged with common purpose and incitement to murder?” he queried.
Meanwhile, the Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has “strongly” advised Zimbabweans who reside in Diepsloot to move out for their safety.
“The situation is volatile, let’s stay safe. As MRP we will be doing more engagements soon. Don’t try to retaliate or fight back,” said the party after a visit to the suburb.
