South African President Jacob Zuma apologized to Mozambicans on Wednesday for a recent outbreak of xenophobic violence in which at least seven people died and hundreds of migrants were forced to flee their homes.
Speaking at the start of a two-day state visit to Maputo, Zuma said the attacks ,which included the murder of a Mozambican man were shocking and very disturbing.
Majority of the South Africans have been claiming that migrants have been taking up their jobs hence blaming them for their lack of jobs.
Since the end of apartheid regime, South Africa has attracted millions of migrants seeking a better life in the continent’s most advanced economy.
While condemning the violence, South Africa has also cracked down in a series of raids on illegal immigrants- more than 400 Mozambicans were expelled on Friday and 427 others are set to be deported soon.
President Zuma pledged to address underlying factors so as to ensure that attacks against foreigners do not erupt again.
