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Kenyan traders suffer heavy losses in South Africa anti-immigrant violence
A man holds a placard as he and others attend a silent vigil against xenophobia, held at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on April 21, 2015. AFP PHOTO | STEFAN HEUNIS
What you need to know:
- Ms Kamau said several Kenyans living in areas affected by the violence have fled their homes.
- Ms Kamau urged those living in the mineral-rich country to come forth and register themselves with the mission.
Kenyan traders based in South Africa have lost property worth millions following anti-migrant attacks that have rocked several cities.
Kenya's ambassador to South Africa, Jean Njeri Kamau, said on Tuesday that several businesses owned by Kenyan nationals in the hotbeds of the attacks on foreigners had been looted and those spared closed down.
“The High Commission has received reports from members of the Kenyan business community of heavy losses due to the violence.
“There has also been several reports of looting and destruction of business premises owned by Kenyan nationals,” she said in a statement.
Ms Kamau said several Kenyans living in areas affected by the violence have fled their homes.
She urged the government of South Africa to compensate the traders for the losses they have suffered following the attacks by locals.
For over a week now, attacks against immigrants and their businesses have dominated media reports after a South African tribal king made remarks linking foreigners to a spike in crime.
KING 'MISQUOTED'
Although King Goodwill Zwelithini, chief of the Zulu community, said that he was misquoted, attacks following his remarks have left at least seven people dead and several others injured.
For fear of attacks, immigrant communities have vacated the major areas where the attacks are reported to their home countries and some are holed in refugee camps.
Reiterating her mission’s commitment to guaranteeing the safety of the Kenyan community, Ms Kamau urged those living in the mineral-rich country to come forth and register themselves with the mission.
“The current status of data at the High Commission is such that only a small fraction of Kenyan nationals living in South Africa are registered” she said.
She said that registration helps the mission provide services and ensure the safety of Kenyans through direct contact.
She rejected claims that the embassy had neglected leaders of organisations representing individuals living in South Africa in the wake of the xenophobic violence.
