Recent violence and looting in PE townships was NOT xenophobia

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

A top Somali government official says the recent incidents of violence against Somalis in Nelson Mandela Bay, was not a result of xenophobia.

Acting ambassador, Mohammad Ali Mire, held top level talks with Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor, Benson Fihla, on Monday.

This follows the shooting of a man in New Brighton, allegedly by a Somali shop owner.

Charges were later provisionally withdrawn against him.

The incident however, sparked the looting of Somali-owned spaza shops in the township and the arrest of dozens of people.

Speaking to the media , ambassador Mire, said he had fruitful talks with the police and city officials.

"We agree that it had nothing to do with xenophobia it was the action and reaction of criminals" he said

Meanwhile, executive mayor Benson Fihla, says they're hoping to bring the two communities together in a bid to ease tensions.

The Municipality is planning at least two meetings in the coming days.

Fihla also agrees that the attacks were the work of criminal elements.

"It is clear that it is not the community involved but rather a criminal element. We have decided therefore the best thing to do is to call them together and address them and also to have security there to monitor the shops to ensure their protection" Fihla said.