Namibia has urged its citizens to remain vigilant and seek consular assistance if needed amid ongoing unrest in South Africa related to anti illegal immigrant protests.
In recent weeks, protests across several provinces have escalated to the point of requiring police intervention, with demonstrators openly threatening the safety of foreign nationals and their property. The organisation March and March has set a deadline of 30 June for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Trade said it has not received reports of Namibian nationals being affected by the unrest but is closely monitoring the situation. Citizens needing assistance are advised to contact the High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate General in Cape Town.
Several other countries, including Kenya, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Ghana, have also urged their citizens in South Africa to exercise caution. Ghana issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non essential travel due to a rise in what it called xenophobic attacks against African nationals.
The Border Management Authority confirmed the departure of 933 Mozambican nationals through the Lebombo Port of Entry in one of the largest coordinated repatriation operations in recent months. On Monday, Malawi announced the start of a voluntary repatriation programme for its nationals following reports of violent attacks on African migrants.
The United States Embassy also issued a warning to its citizens about visiting Menlyn Park Shopping Centre following an explosion at a Woolworths store. No injuries were reported, and police are investigating.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure affirmed its commitment to enforcing the law and protecting public order, urging the public to refrain from vigilantism and attacks. Over the last week, 166 suspects were arrested in the Free State for public violence, and five people were arrested in the Western Cape for violence and intimidation.
