Following xenophobic attacks in South Africa neighboring countries such as Botswana and Zimbabwe have warned their citizens to be vigilant around the country.
The Ministry of International Affairs and Corporation in Botswana cautioned their citizens, residing in South Africa, to avoid areas where there are xenophobic incidents.
According to the statement issued in Gaborone the Ministry will continue to monitor events as they unfold.
Reports state that five people have been killed and over 200 arrested in the Gauteng province as a result of these attacks.
Zimbabwean authorities also issued the same statement through Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, who stated that Zimbabweans living and traveling to South Africa should make safety their priority.
“These barbaric xenophobic attacks destroy the spirit of African unity. They also affect the solidarity formed by African Unions founded in Addis Ababa in 1963. The attacks come after African leaders have just launched a continent-wide Africa Free Trade Area which opened economy opportunities. They will facilitate free movement of capital, labour, goods and services”, said Mutsvangwa.
