Union asks Nigerians in South Africa to be vigilant as protest over Zuma’s imprisonment spreads

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has asked Nigerians living in South Africa to be vigilant and adopt security measures as protests continue over the imprisonment of Jacob Zuma.

Shops were reported to have been looted and policemen injured in the protests, which began after Zuma, former South African president, handed himself over to the authorities last Wednesday to serve a 15-month sentence.

In a statement sent to NAN on Monday, Adetola Olubajo, NUSA president, said five businesses belonging to Nigerians were among those destroyed during the protests on Sunday.

Olubajo said that the union had undertaken a fact-finding trip and was highly disturbed by the extent of looting, destruction and violence perpetrated by the protesters.

“More than 18 trucks had been set ablaze, businesses looted and properties damaged,” he said.

“These violent looting and attacks are spreading rapidly to other areas of Gauteng and Kwa Zulu Natal Province with cars burnt and businesses belonging to both locals and foreign nationals looted and destroyed.”

He said the South African Police had confirmed the arrest of over 200 offenders, the killing of a police officer and six other persons, while several other persons were injured.

Olubajo added that the union was yet to get the identities of those arrested and those who died.

“At this point, the South African police seem overwhelmed by the massive crowd and the situation is getting out of hand,” he said.

“We have identified five businesses belonging to Nigerians that were looted and destroyed on Sunday by the angry mob in Johannesburg.

“The looting and destruction of property has continued unabated till today.”

Olubajo appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law abiding, but be very vigilant.

The union president said the NUSA national secretariat had already issued safety tips to Nigerians, and would continue to give such useful information.

“The union’s emergency management team is monitoring the situation and providing help to Nigerian nationals in areas it can,” he said.

“We also urge Nigerians to continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols to avoid contracting the virus.’’