Third Zimbabwean Man Dies Following Xenophobic Violence in Addo

Apology Mandiudza, a young Zimbabwean man, died following a xenophobic attack in Addo, marking the third fatality linked to recent violence ignited by the murder of Jaune September. The community is grappling with the aftermath, including fear and displacement, as arrests have yet to be made. Efforts to repatriate the deceased highlight ongoing challenges faced by immigrant families in South Africa.

A tragic incident unfolded in Addo, where a third Zimbabwean man, Apology Mandiudza, age 24, succumbed to injuries sustained in a xenophobic attack. Mandiudza died in a hospital last Tuesday, following a brutal mob attack that occurred nearly ten days earlier. This violence was sparked by the murder of Jaune September, a South African man, which led to a wave of retribution against immigrants on May 25. Mandiudza’s death marks the fourth immigrant fatality linked to these revenge attacks.

The violence took a heavy toll, with two of the deceased being Zimbabwean and one Malawian. As of now, no one has been arrested regarding September’s murder or the mob attacks that followed. Mandiudza, originally from Zimbabwe, had recently begun working on a citrus farm and was in a long-term relationship with a South African woman, as revealed by his niece, Pauline Mhlolo. She noted that their relationship was approaching marriage, emphasizing the personal loss felt by his family.

Mhlolo shared her sorrow, recalling the moment she saw Mandiudza in the hospital. “I saw him lying helplessly in his bed at Livingstone Hospital. He was not responding to our voices,” she said. It is devastating to note that Mandiudza was not near the tavern where September was killed but suffered fatal injuries from a bludgeon. In addition, his home was looted during the chaos, with most of his belongings taken.

The xenophobic attacks left many immigrant men injured and hospitalized. Meanwhile, scores of women and children were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge at the Addo Police Station and a church hall in Gqeberha. On June 1, immigration officers inspected these shelters, resulting in the arrest of hundreds, with 127 individuals opting for voluntary deportation.

Jaune September was laid to rest last Saturday, with GroundUp covering the funeral, which was notably peaceful and well-attended. Councillor Xolani Jonas spoke at the event, addressing the immigrant community and encouraging them to return to their homes despite the prevailing fears. Meanwhile, Chris Mapingure, who leads the Zimbabwe Migrants Support Network, highlighted the difficulties in repatriating the deceased Zimbabweans, revealing that transporting one body to Zimbabwe costs around R32,000. He has been working to raise funds from Zimbabwean communities in the Eastern Cape, stating, “We still have a long way to go.”

The recent xenophobic violence in Addo has claimed the lives of three immigrants, including Apology Mandiudza, with injuries, looting, and fear affecting the community. The failure to apprehend those responsible for the violence raises deep concerns about safety for immigrants. Efforts to repatriate the deceased have begun, but funding remains a significant barrier to a swift resolution. The situation highlights urgent issues surrounding xenophobia and community safety in South Africa.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com