Third Zimbabwean Dies After Xenophobic Attacks in Addo

A third Zimbabwean, Apology Mandiudza, has died from injuries sustained during xenophobic attacks in Addo. His death follows the murder of Jaune September, which ignited revenge attacks resulting in multiple casualties. Displaced individuals still seek refuge while funds are sought for repatriation of the deceased. The community remains on edge as no suspects have been apprehended.

In a tragic development, a third Zimbabwean man has died from injuries sustained during xenophobic violence in Addo, just days following a series of brutal incidents. Apology Mandiudza, aged 24, succumbed to his wounds last Tuesday, nine days after a mob attacked him in Valencia. This incident took place in the wake of the murder of Jaune September, a 22-year-old South African, on May 25, which sparked a wave of revenge violence. Thus far, authorities have not apprehended either September’s murderer or anyone from the violent mob.

Mandiudza was originally from Zimbabwe and had recently landed his first job working on a citrus farm. He had hoped to marry his long-time partner, a South African woman. His niece, Pauline Mhlolo, shared her grief, depicting him as a gentle and quiet person. She recounted a heartbreaking moment when she saw him unresponsive in his hospital bed at Livingstone Hospital after he suffered severe head injuries from a violent attack. Sadly, his home was also ransacked during the chaos, with most of his personal belongings stolen.

During the violent outbreaks in Addo, numerous immigrant men were assaulted and required hospitalization, while hundreds of women and children fled in panic. Many of these displaced families sought refuge at local facilities, including Addo Police Station and a church hall in Gqeberha. A subsequent inspection by immigration officials resulted in mass arrests, while 127 people opted for voluntary deportation in an effort to escape the unrest.

The funeral for Jaune September occurred on Saturday, which was described as peaceful and attended by many community members. Ward councillor Xolani Jonas addressed the gathered crowd, urging immigrants to seek safety in their home communities rather than facing violence where they sought refuge. Meanwhile, Chris Mapingure, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Migrants Support Network, lamented the challenges faced in repatriating the remains of the three deceased Zimbabweans; he noted that transporting one body to Zimbabwe can cost approximately R32,000. Mapingure is working to raise funds from the Zimbabwean communities in the Eastern Cape, emphasizing that despite some support, they still have considerable financial hurdles ahead.

The situation in Addo continues to be tense as the impact of xenophobic violence directly affects families and communities. The fact that no arrests have been made adds to feelings of insecurity and fear among local immigrant populations. The loss of life, especially that of innocent individuals like Apology Mandiudza, underscores the urgent need for effective measures to prevent further violence against immigrants in South Africa. Authorities are under pressure to take concrete actions to address these grave concerns and restore peace to the community.

Apology Mandiudza’s tragic death, along with the xenophobic violence that led to several fatalities, highlights the continuing crisis facing immigrants in South Africa. With no arrests of the attackers yet, fear persists among the immigrant community. Efforts to repatriate the deceased are hampered by financial constraints, showcasing the deep ramifications of these violent attacks. Urgent action is needed to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com