Xenophobia: South African province gives Nigerians 12 hours ultimatum to leave area

Nigerians residing in South African towns of Keimoes and Upington in Northern Cape Province in South Africa have been given a 12-hour ultimatum to leave the area.

This was disclosed by the president of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Adetola Olubajo on Thursday, January 9.

According to him, He said that the ultimatum was issued after a Nigerian man, an indigene of Ebonyi state Nigeria allegedly stabbed a police officer Nico Visagie to death during a disagreement.

Olubajo further stated that the real story about what transpired is still sketchy as the only witness was also stabbed severely and is in a critical condition.

Olubajo said :

After the horrific incident, the community members of Keimoes and environs went on rampage burning and destroying properties belonging to foreign nationals, Nigerians in particular,” the head of the union said

“These attacks spread to Upington and Nigerians and other foreign nationals were also expelled from Upington

Olubajo further disclosed that some locals were however arrested by the police for public disturbance and malicious damage of properties.

Meanwhile, the suspect who stabbed the police officer had been arrested and would appear in court soon.