[PRESS RELEASE] LHR COMMENTS ON REPORTS OF LOOTING OF FOREIGN-OWNED SHOPS IN PRETORIA CBD

This week, parts of the Pretoria CBD were shut down after members of the taxi industry protested the shooting of a taxi driver.

During the protests, media reports suggest that shops apparently owned by foreign nationals were looted and some were torched. Today, it is reported that police have arrested people found in possession of alleged stolen goods and also for public violence in connection with the lootings.

The opportunistic looting is unfortunate, as it has once again targeted and affected foreign nationals. Many foreign nationals are unable to secure any form of employment due to challenges with documentation. Refugees and asylum seekers specifically struggle to secure permanent employment and they resort to running shops or informal trading to provide for their families.

Lawyers for Human Rights appeals to SAPS to continue to properly investigate the incidents and maintain law and order as they are mandated to do. If the community is to respect law enforcement agents, including the police, then perpetrators committing unlawful acts including violence and looting must be arrested and brought before a court of law.

To this end, LHR urges the police to recall its duty to assist members of the public who have been negatively affected by the looting, regardless of their nationality.

For further comment, please contact:

Hlengiwe Mtshatsha

Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme

012 320 2943