Babalo Ndenze
THE government has issued a stern warning to “instigators” of the ongoing xenophobic violence and unrest, while raising concerns about the social media “phenomenon” of people spreading misinformation and photoshopped images purporting to be of the recent attacks on foreigners in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Ministers in the security cluster briefed journalists yesterday on the progress made in trying to quell the violence and bring the attacks to end.
The briefing came a day after President Jacob Zuma cancelled a planned visit to Indonesia to attend to domestic matters and the xenophobic violence in KZN.
The ministers maintained the government had the situation under control while reassuring foreign investors of their efforts.
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said that so far, 307 suspects were arrested in connection with attacks on foreigners and public violence across the country.
“In the past few days we have noted a new phenomenon of people who make use of social media to instil fear in different parts of the country. They have been sending out fictitious SMS and Whatsapp messages with fictitious and photoshopped images warning people of imminent attacks. These messages appear to be orchestrated by elements bent on taking advantage of the unease in communities and to instil fear among the people,” said Gigaba.
“Government reiterates its resolve to stamp out all acts that seek to plunge our country into anarchy.
“The misinformation that has been happening in the social media should be condemned by all peace-loving South Africans and foreign nationals living in our country. Government calls on those who are involved in such acts to stop it.”
He said security agencies were on the ground and “there will be no bus or train of any kind coming to attack them”.
“We also want to issue a stern warning to those who lend themselves to acts of public violence. We will find you and you will be dealt with to the full might of the law. You will be arrested and sentenced accordingly,” said Gigaba.
State security minister David Mahlobo said “the main issue here that we must be able to communicate to South Africans (is): government has responded decisively”.
He said security services “are hard at work”, but depended on communities to single out perpetrators.
National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) chairperson Lieutenant General Elias Mawela said the intelligence community was “monitoring even the social media networks” on a 24-hour basis.
“We are monitoring all the messages which are being sent all over the country.
“Every time they see those messages, they don’t ignore them, they follow them up and analyse that information,” said Mawela.
Gigaba said the government was in the process of reviewing its immigration policy framework to find a lasting solution to xenophobia and reintegration of foreigners.
“Government needs to review the immigration policy extensively.
“The Department of Home Affairs is undertaking that extensive review as we speak,” said Gigaba.