By Hazel Memani
The South African police have had their hands tied with the recent spate of xenophobia in northern Johannesburg, prompting reports that the army might step in.
IOL asked readers: "Should South African protection services act more strongly against those involved in xenophobic attacks?"
Of the 311 readers who responded, 68 percent (213 votes) said 'Yes', 18 percent (55 votes) said 'No and 33 percent (14 votes) said 'Who cares?'.
Here are some of the comments submitted by our readers:
Anne wrote:
Mr Tokyo Sexwale said in a speach just after the end of apartheid that ALL OUR AFRICAN BROTHERS & SISTERS are welcome to come to SA. (or words to that effect) where was he when all his African Brothers & Sisters were being beaten up by a pack of wild criminals. Safely tucked up behind his big walls to protect himself from his African Brothers & Sisters.
Doug wrote:
Absolutely! These idiots deserve to be put in jail and, if they kill anyone, should be taken out and hung themselves. South Africans are so hypocritical. Imagine if foreigners had treated our political exiles during Apartheid the same way. I agree with the Bishop... it's the new Apartheid (a part hate).
FED UP wrote:
not so long ago it was requested that the army be bought in to be used against criminals, some anc moron turned around and said the army cant be used against its own citizens, that was probally said because the request came from the DA or some tax paying victims of crime, well guess what suckers the chickens have come home to roost, once again the army cannot and will not be used against its own citizens, if it is used then thats a very clear indication of how racist this anc truly is!!!!
Rayner wrote:
From 1994, any person with the slightest IQ could have told you that in time, this was going to happen. If anyone is now not convinced that we have a bunch of idiots running our country then ?the Lord be with you?. But, then again I am sure the black people on this site will protect and praise the government for their good work and then find a way of blaming this on the white people.
knersius wrote:
Actually it's 14 years too late to cry wolf ! It ia all good and well to let brothers and sisters from northern countries to enter South Africa, but then, in a controlled manner. The problem now is that most of the illegal people have already dissapeared within the local population. They work for a meager meal and R20 per day. I am of the oppinion NOT to act agaist thse people, because the damage id already done. I suggest stricter border control if possible, keeping further entering
mamalex wrote:
In SW-Europe imigration is organized. Imigrants are first placed in a camp for 1-2 years. They are investigated, researched their life and history. Criminals and those without papers are expelled on the spot! They are given the time to assimilate, integrate, find an own place to stay, find a job (given ONLY if no one else is available and only if they are qualified). Everything is payed by tax payers. Of course population is not very happy, but still, they dont attack or kill. Nothing of the sort is organized in SA and police is too sluggish in all the ways. What are we expecting? SAD!!!
Duncan wrote:
Does anyone else get a sense of '80's deja vu? Violence-wracked townships; a government that cares only about power for the sake of power; absolute lack of delivery of services to the most needy and a future clouded with uncertainty? Does the ANC have the guts to cross it's own Rubicon and get rid of the scum currently running the country from top to bottom and actually GOVERN as opposed to rule?
Anonymous wrote:
I still say; every African president should be held accountable for this nonsense. If it wasn't for their greed and corrupt deeds; these people would not be compelled to cross borders hunting food. In the same breath; it is too soon to involve the army. Give the police a chance to bring order. Xenophobia is a monster that needs to be cut by it's roots. Maybe T.M will now realise there's a crisis in Zim and act.
Graham F wrote:
This is mainly a spin-off from Mugabe's actions in Zimbabwe as far as the Zim ex pats are concerned and other African leaders (or lack of) in DRC, etc. If the police are ineffective they must use army patrols. (What does the Army do by the way? They do not secure the borders ).
Thabo Thebe wrote: What a shame to read what my brothers and sisters are up to....This are the same people who helped us to be were we are today....Remember nothing last forever,tomorrow the tables will turn, where will we all go...? Zim,Moza, Zambia etc...we will need this countries one day....l hope this country will not let these thugs go unpunished....blood dogs.