South Africa Arrests 80 Over Xenophobic Attacks

South African officials have assured the Nigerian government that additional security measures are being deployed to protect affected communities, while those responsible for the violence will face prosecution.

South African authorities have arrested about 80 suspects in connection with the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, the country's Consul-General to Nigeria, Professor Bobby Moroe, has said.

Speaking amid growing concern over the violence, Moroe said the arrests underscore the South African government's commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and restoring public order.

He stressed that the government does not condone xenophobia, violence or discrimination against foreign nationals, describing the attacks as the actions of criminal and vigilante groups rather than a reflection of government policy or the views of ordinary South Africans.

"The South African government remains committed to protecting all lawful residents, regardless of nationality," he said, assuring Nigerians and other African migrants that security agencies are taking decisive steps to safeguard lives and property.

According to Moroe, the suspects were arrested across several provinces for their alleged involvement in attacks, intimidation, looting and other offences linked to the anti-immigrant violence. He added that investigations are ongoing and that more arrests could follow as authorities identify additional suspects.

The envoy's comments come as Nigeria and South Africa intensify diplomatic engagement over the attacks, which have drawn widespread condemnation across the continent.

South African officials have assured the Nigerian government that additional security measures are being deployed to protect affected communities, while those responsible for the violence will face prosecution.

Moroe also appealed for calm, urging migrants not to resort to reprisals or take the law into their own hands. He called on South Africans to reject hate speech and violence, insisting that grievances should be addressed through lawful and democratic processes.

He added that police patrols have been reinforced in affected communities, with security agencies working alongside local leaders to prevent further attacks.

The recent unrest has affected migrants from several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Ethiopia. Some vigilante groups have accused undocumented migrants of contributing to crime and unemployment, claims that governments and analysts argue should be addressed through lawful immigration enforcement rather than mob violence.

The attacks have left several people injured, displaced residents, and damaged businesses, while also straining diplomatic relations between African nations.

The arrest of about 80 suspects represents one of South Africa's most significant responses to the latest outbreak of xenophobic violence. However, both Nigeria and South Africa maintain that addressing the root causes of the crisis will require stronger law enforcement, effective migration management and sustained cooperation among African governments to protect migrants and prevent future attacks.