South African opposition politician and parliamentarian Julius Malema has described the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in the country as “state-sponsored”, accusing police and state institutions of failing to stop acts of intimidation and violence against migrants.
Mr Malema’s remarks come amid growing anti-foreigner protests, social media campaigns and the repatriation of hundreds of African migrants from South Africa, including Nigerians and Ghanaians, following rising tensions in several communities.
Meanwhile, the South African government has announced plans to begin charging foreign governments for the costs of deporting their nationals. This move has sparked debate across the continent.
‘Violence is state-sponsored’
In a video posted by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) about two weeks ago, Mr Malema alleged that authorities were enabling attacks against migrants.
