S/Africa Protest: Consul General Urges Nigerians To Avoid High Risk Areas

Posted by African Examiner African News, Featured, Latest Headlines, News Around Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa Wednesday, July 14th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Malik Abdul, has called on Nigerians in that country to exercise restraint, be cautious and as much as possible avoid high risk areas.

Abdul made the call in a statement made available to Journalists on Tuesday in Abuja while reacting to the ongoing violent protests in Johannesburg and Durban areas of South Africa.

He advised Nigerians to avoid being caught up in the violent protest, as the South African police and other law enforcement agencies were working hard to bring the situation under control.

“The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg is watching with concern the developments in the two Provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where criminal elements have hijacked the protest to free former President Jacob Zuma.

“According to reports, a considerable number of shops and establishments in Durban and Johannesburg, including those belonging to Nigerian nationals, have been burnt, looted and vandalised under the guise of protests.

“It is established that these criminal elements engage in these acts in furtherance of their interest to loot and vandalise private and public property, and not necessarily in relation to the Zuma case,” he said.

Abdul noted that the violence was condemnable and commiserate with all Nigerians in particular and others alike who might had suffered any form of loss due to the violent protest.

He added that lawful means should, however, be explored to seek redress.

He called upon relevant authorities to forestall the degeneration of the situation and to take proactive steps to prevent further loss of lives and property.

South African protesters took to the streets following the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma over corruption charges and contempt of court.