'Xenophobic attacks affecting Zambians living in SA'

'Xenophobic attacks affecting Zambians living in SA'
By Patson Chilemba
Saturday May 31, 2008 [04:00]

ACTING home affairs minister George Mpombo yesterday said 46 Zambians living in South Africa have been affected by the xenophobic attacks in that country. Addressing the press, Mpombo, who is also defence minister, said the government was in touch with the Zambian High Commission in South Africa to verify reports and secure the 46 Zambians reported to be in the camps.

Mpombo said the governement was extremely worried about the unfortunate situation.
He said the government was working on financial and logistical arrangements to ensure that Zambian nationals affected were evacuated from South Africa.

Mpombo said the scale of brutality in South Africa was incredible and that it was turnishing the image of Africa.

Over 50 people have died and 25,000 displaced following xenophobic attacks against foreigners since May 11. The attacks have spread to seven of South Africa's nine provinces.

And Mpombo also said 163 Zimbabwean drivers from SABOT company in Zimbabwe had staged industrial action in Zambia.

Mpombo said the government was against this action as it was a violation of both private and public international laws.

He said the drivers would be repatriated back to Zimbabwe because Zambia was not part of the political problems in that country.

Mpombo further said the country had received 10 families from Zimbabwe who were seeking political asylum.

Mpombo said the government was in the process of considering and verifying their applications.