By Ayobami Okerinde
The South African government has pushed back against Nigeria’s plan to seek compensation for properties abandoned by Nigerians fleeing recent xenophobic attacks, insisting that only legally registered assets can be recognised while controversially calling on Nigeria to identify alleged “drug dens” linked to its citizens.
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, made the remarks during a press briefing on Friday.
According to a video of the briefing shared by Newzroom Afrika on X, Ntshavheni said legally acquired properties in South Africa are properly documented and remain under the ownership of their registered owners, who are free to sell them through the country’s property market.
“If you own a property in South Africa, it’s registered. If it’s a house, it’s registered with the Deeds Register. If you own a car, it’s registered in the NATIS system. If you own a business, it’s registered with the CIPC,” she said.
