There is palpable tension in Keimoes and Upington areas of northern cape province in South Africa, when indigenes gave Nigerians and other foreign national a 12-hour ultimatum to vacate their communities.
Adetola Olubajo, president of Nigeria Union in South Africa, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday when the ultimate was issued, said the developmen was caused by an “ugly incident” that transpired between a police officer and a Nigerian on Wednesday.
According to Olubajo, the Nigerian, an indigene of Abakaliki in Ebonyi state, allegedly stabbed to death the police officer, Nico Visagie, during an altercation.
Olubajo said the details of the disagreement were still very sketchy as the “major witness” was also stabbed multiple times and was still in critical condition at the hospital.
He said “After the horrific incident, the community members of Keimoes and environs went on rampage burning and destroying properties belonging to foreign nationals, Nigerians in particular,
“These attacks spread to Upington and Nigerians and other foreign nationals were also expelled from Upington.
“Prompt Police intervention this morning brought about calm but the situation is still tensed. Some locals were arrested by the police for public disturbance and malicious damage to properties.
“They appeared in a magistrates’ court this morning for bail hearing.”
He added that the suspect who stabbed the police officer had been arrested and would appear in court on or before Monday.
“We commend the swift intervention of the members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the arrest of the suspect is a welcome development,” he said.
“We hope the police will continue to maintain law and order in the area.”