Foreigners return to their houses in Mbekweni after being chased out by locals

Approximately 2,700 displaced foreign nationals have begun to return to their homes in Mbekweni near Wellington, following their evacuation on Wednesday due to alleged xenophobic threats in the area.

The threats reportedly arose in the aftermath of a woman’s murder in the community. Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk stated that meetings with the community were held on Thursday, facilitating the return of some residents.

Since the foreign nationals began returning home, no incidents have been reported. However, Captain van Wyk emphasized that the police “will maintain visibility and monitor the situation.”

Wouter Kriel, spokesperson for Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell, mentioned that discussions, assisted by a local taxi association, had enabled men to return home. Meanwhile, women and children will remain housed at a government facility until their safety is assured.

Kriel also noted the establishment of food kitchens and medical facilities for affected women and children.

Ali Sablay, operations manager at the Gift of the Givers Foundation, stated that the organization had provided aid to approximately 2,000 foreign nationals. He mentioned that women and children had been accommodated at a local hall under police protection, while men sought refuge at a police station.

During a community meeting, elders and the local taxi association reportedly called for peace and strongly condemned xenophobic violence. However, ward councillor Thobani Mooi cautioned that tensions remained high, acknowledging the volatility of the situation.

Mooi clarified that the alleged xenophobic threats stemmed from the murder of a woman, which is currently under investigation. A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the murder and appeared in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court, with another arrest made in Langa.

Nicholas Mabhena of the African Diaspora Forum highlighted the tendency for tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals to escalate before elections, often exploited by politicians for their gain. He condemned the violence and anticipated more incidents nationwide leading up to the elections.

MEC Anton Bredell called for urgent intervention from the home affairs department, stating that the local municipality and provincial government were unable to sustain continuous humanitarian relief for the affected individuals.

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