CONSUATE GENERAL OF NIGERIA IN JOHANNESBURG

CAUTIONS AGAINST VIOLENCE

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg is watching with keen interest the developments in the two provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where criminal elements have hijacked the unlawful protest to free former president Jacob Zuma. 

According to reports, a considerable number of shops and establishments in Durban and Johannesburg, incuding those belonging to Nigerian nationals, have been burnt, looted and vandalized under the guise of protests. 

It is established that these criminal elements engage in these acts in furthherance of their interest to loot as well as vandalize private and public properties, and not necessarily in relations to the Zuma case. 

While the violence is condemnable, the Consulate General commiserates with all Nigerians in particular and others alike who may have suffered any form of loss due to the violent protest, as well as encourage that lawful means be explored to seek redress. 

The Mission calls upon the relevant authorities to forestall the degeneration of the situation and to take proactive steps to prevent further loss of lives and properties. 

The Consulate General calls on all Nigerians to remain calm, cautious and avoid as much as possible, high risk areas in order not to be caught up in the violent protest, as the Police and other law enforcement agencies work assiduously to bring the situation under control.