As protests against xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa continue to gain momentum, the South African Embassy in Nigeria has announced the closure of its consulate in Lagos over fears of reprisal attacks.
The closure was announced in a statement to the South African Business Forum by the South African Consul-General in Nigeria, Sam Monaisa, adding that the closure will remain in force till Thursday.
The Consul-General frowned at Nigerians who are “using the social media to blow an already tensed situation in South Africa out of proportion and stoking emotions”, adding that it is for this reason Nigerians are of the opinion that their people are being killed daily in South Africa.
The statement called on members of SABF to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movements, stating that businesses affiliated to South Africa have always been targets of attacks any time xenophobic violence occurs in the Southern African country.
Similarly, South Africa’s cabinet has warned that the country’s business concerns in other parts of Africa may become targets. In the same vein, a Johannesburg-based Sasol Ltd has announced the repatriation of South African employees working on projects in Mozambique because of their safety.
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