VIDEO: ‘Take Your Children And Leave’ — South Africans Tell Nigerian Trader During Anti-Immigrant Protest
A video circulating on social media has captured a tense confrontation in South Africa where a Nigerian businessman was accosted by a group of locals amid growing anti-immigrant sentiments.
The businessman was surrounded and questioned over his presence in the country, with the group accusing him of operating a business as a foreign national.
The situation quickly escalated as the men issued threats and demanded that he leave the area immediately.
“How come you are here in South Africa to get selling goods?” one of the men repeatedly asked.
The trader tried to explain that he had lived in the country for a long time and was only working to support his family.
“I didn’t come to South Africa today. I’m here for a long time… the only thing is what I’m doing to feed my children,” he said in the video.
However, the explanation was dismissed as the group intensified their stance against foreign nationals.
“From now on, we don’t want foreigners in this town. We are fixing our South Africa now,” one of them said.
The businessman, who said he has a wife and children in the country, was ordered to leave with his family.
“Take your wife and go back to your country… take your children and go and raise them at home,” the group insisted.
At several points, the men warned him that he must leave the area immediately, stressing that there would be no room for negotiation.
The incident adds to a series of rising xenophobic tensions affecting foreign nationals, particularly Africans, in South Africa.
Reacting to the development, the South African Police Service condemned the conduct, describing it as unlawful and contrary to constitutional values.
“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded,” the police said.
The police further warned that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands.
It added that anyone involved in violence, intimidation or looting would be arrested and prosecuted.
“The SAPS has been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation… all those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts,” the statement added.
https://x.com/pulsenigeria247/status/2047602050410721430?s=46
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
