
Pretoria - The government of Zimbabwe on Wednesday urged its citizens based in South Africa, or travelling to the neighbouring country to "take necessary precaution" in the wake of widespread attacks on foreign business owners and looting of their goods.
"All Zimbabweans living in South Africa, and those travelling to the country are urged to take necessary precaution to ensure their safety," said Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
The Harare authorities expressed "heartfelt sympathies to all Zimbabweans and other African nationals who suffered from the senseless orgy of violence in South Africa".
Mutsvangwa added: "The government and people of Zimbabwe condemn the barbaric acts, which clearly offends the spirit of African unity and solidarity espoused by the African Union's founding fathers in Addis Ababa in 1963".
"These despicable attacks come at an opportune time when African leaders have just launched a continent-wide Africa Free Trade Area, which has opened exciting economic opportunities that facilitate free movement of capital, labour, goods, and services."