THE Zambian High Commission to South Africa has
maintained that no Zambian has been brutally murdered in the on-going
xenophobic attacks that erupted a fortnight ago in that country.
And Zambians living in
South Africa have praised government for being proactive and showing
concern for its citizens during the xenophobic attacks against foreign
nationals.
In
a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka by First Secretary for
Press Nicky Shabolyo, the Zambian High Commission has established that
no Zambian has been caught up in the attacks and killings.
Mr
Shabolyo said the High Commission was made aware during meetings in
Durban between Zambians resident in the city and embassy officials that
no Zambian in Durban or other parts of South Africa that had been either
injured or burnt to death in the xenophobic attacks.
The
Mission officials told Zambians in Durban that President Edgar Lungu
was concerned with their safety and has taken a personal interest in the
matter and is constantly in touch with the High Commission.
And
Vice President of Tiyende Pamodzi Zambia Association Mulenga Chilufya
said the members were impressed with government’s timely intervention to
send its officials to Durban to assess the situation.
“It
is indeed gratifying that officials from the High Commission have been
brave enough to come to Durban to check on us even with these reports of
violence. We are indeed grateful to our government,” said Chilufya.
Tiyende
Pamodzi Zambia Association is an organisation of Zambians living in
Durban and looks after the interests of Zambians living in that city and
other parts of South Africa.
Mr
Shabolyo further said that the Zambian mission established that no
Zambian is in a situation that would warrant evacuation by government
following the attacks on foreign nationals.
He
said a check at temporary camps where foreigners who have fled the
violence are being kept by South African authorities revealed that there
were no Zambians who have gone there to seek refuge.
The
delegation from the mission comprised Zambia’s Deputy High Commissioner
to South Africa, Joe Kaunda, First Secretary for Political Affairs,
Josephat Sakala, First Secretary for Immigration, Joyce Chimalilo and
First Secretary for Press & Public Relations, Mr. Nicky Shabolyo.
