thenewage, Apr 20 2011
Ethiopian nationals have fled their rented accommodations in Lebowakgomo township outside Polokwane after clashes with some local residents over the alleged rape of a local girl.
Lebowakgomo police spokesperson Capt Mamphaswa Seabi said yesterday efforts were under way to arrange tents for about 150 Ethiopian nationals who took refuge at a cultural centre opposite the police station.
“We’re thinking of pitching tents at the showground because at the centre they only sleep at night. During the day, they have to move out to give way for the workers. Two of these people fromEthiopia have sustained injuries after the attacks and are still being treated at the Lebowakgomo Hospital
Violence between the two groups was ignited by the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl a week ago. Police have since arrested a 34-year-old Ethiopian man in connection with the rape. He was denied bail in his first court appearance. The case was postponed to May 13.
Since then local people have targeted Ethiopians traders in the townships and have been destroying their goods and buildings. They physically attacked them and looted their shops.
At the weekend, a large number of Ethiopians managed to salvage some of their belongings and fled to the police station.
Police have arrested several locals suspected of carrying out attacks against the refugees. The violence appears to be directed at Ethiopian nationals only, according to police.
Yesterday, Matome Masoga, the mayor of Lepelle Nkumpi municipality said he did not believe the attacks were xenophobic. “I think it’s criminals targeting the Ethiopians for a crime allegedly committed by one man.
“People should allow the law to punish the man, if found to be a rapist,” said Masoga
Ethiopian nationals have fled their rented accommodations in Lebowakgomo township outside Polokwane after clashes with some local residents over the alleged rape of a local girl.
Lebowakgomo police spokesperson Capt Mamphaswa Seabi said yesterday efforts were under way to arrange tents for about 150 Ethiopian nationals who took refuge at a cultural centre opposite the police station.
“We’re thinking of pitching tents at the showground because at the centre they only sleep at night. During the day, they have to move out to give way for the workers. Two of these people from
Violence between the two groups was ignited by the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl a week ago. Police have since arrested a 34-year-old Ethiopian man in connection with the rape. He was denied bail in his first court appearance. The case was postponed to May 13.
Since then local people have targeted Ethiopians traders in the townships and have been destroying their goods and buildings. They physically attacked them and looted their shops.
At the weekend, a large number of Ethiopians managed to salvage some of their belongings and fled to the police station.
Police have arrested several locals suspected of carrying out attacks against the refugees. The violence appears to be directed at Ethiopian nationals only, according to police.
Yesterday, Matome Masoga, the mayor of Lepelle Nkumpi municipality said he did not believe the attacks were xenophobic. “I think it’s criminals targeting the Ethiopians for a crime allegedly committed by one man.
“People should allow the law to punish the man, if found to be a rapist,” said Masoga
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