A Nigerian, whose identity is yet to be disclosed has been arrested for stabbing to South African police officers to death on Tuesday, January 7. The horrific incidence has since then disrupted the peace and order in the community.
However, according to the National President of Nigerian Citizens in South Africa, Mr Benjamin, who spoke to The Nation Newspaper, no ultimatum has been issued against Nigerians in that community.
He further stated that the incident was highly unfortunate and served as a bane and a setback on the peaceful relationship that is being built between Nigerians and South Africans.
Okoli said,
“The ugly incident happened yesterday (Tuesday) in the town’s of keimos, and Rosedale near Upington and continued up till today (Wednesday) afternoon.
READ ALSO: Borno: Governor Uses N515 Million To Take Political Thugs Off The Street
“A Nigerian is alleged to have stabbed a member of the South African Police Service. It is not yet clear why the Nigerian allegedly stabbed the policeman to death and wounded another who was critical in the hospital, report has confirmed the second victim has died.
“We understand that the alleged killer and the stabbed police victim are known to each other”.
“We got information about the ugly development from the Northern Cape provincial chairman of NICASA who confirmed the incident.
“We immediately contacted the local Police in the areas of Keimos and Rosedale where the attack on foreign nationals started. The Nigerian Citizens in the area were quickly advised to stay out of trouble.”
He then commended the intervention of the police operatives who stepped into the situation and ensured peace was restored in the community, as some criminal took advantage of the situation to attack innocent Nigerians and other foreign nationals, their properties and their businesses.
“We truly appreciate and commend the police (SAPS) for their quick and professional response in containing the crises. The local community members of Rosedale out of frustration had warned and asked that foreigners should leave their town. This is not xenophobia, the reaction by the locals was instigated by the criminal action of the Nigerian who allegedly stabbed the two victims.
“We condemned in the strongest terms the killing by the alleged accused. It is not yet very clear what caused the attack.”
“The attack is regrettable as this has affected some innocent Nigerians and other foreign nationals disrupting their peace and destroyed their businesses and properties, which were attacked by some criminal elements that took advantage of the situation.
“The incident has truly negated the success we are making in building understanding and social cohesion with South Africans.
“We sympathize with the immediate family of the deceased police officer and the other victim. We also sympathize with the South Africa Police for the loss.
Leave a Reply