₦airaland Forum

by Claire Mom

The federal government has criticised Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s minister in the presidency, over her call for Nigeria to disclose the locations of alleged drug dens linked to Nigerians in the former apartheid country.

Ntshavheni made those comments in a press conference on Friday while rebuffing the possibilities of compensating Nigerians whose properties were left behind following their evacuation in the wake of anti-migrant tensions.

The minister said South Africa would rather focus on ridding the country of the “drug dens” left by Nigerians.

“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are. So they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” Ntshavheni said.

“Squatter camps and informal settlements are never properties because they are illegal in the country. So you are already violating our law if you are going to tell us about a shack in some informal settlement.”

“So there’s no compensation that will come from government. Those who leave their properties, if they are properly legally registered in the country, they can dispose of the properties in the property market in South Africa — whether it’s a movable or immovable property. And we are going to seriously appreciate to be told where are the drug dens.”

Ntshavheni doubled down her stance after Shehu Sani, former senator representing Kaduna central, expressed shock at her comments.

“I didn’t stutter,” she replied Sani.


NIGERIA REACTS

A statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the foreign affairs ministry, said Ntshavheni’s comments were concerning and inflammatory.

“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the statement reads.

“The gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”

Just before the June 30 deadline set by rights groups for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, two Nigerians were killed.

At least four Nigerians have been officially reported dead since the violence began in April but some repatriated Nigerians have alleged a higher death toll.

The foreign ministry asked South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the killings and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The ministry said it is South Africa’s duty to protect the lives and properties of Nigerian nationals, just as there are numerous South African nationals and businesses operating safely in Nigeria without harassment.

Nigeria threatened to take action if the situation persists

Eriokanmi:
Is it a lie ? Don't they arrest Nigerians for drugs everyday across the globe ?

OgbeniOja1:
See finish
See wetin Tinubu cause.

Tooreda:
These charlatans ruling the nation portrayed Jonathan a weak president yet Nigerians were never treated disdainfully by any other African country.

OgbeniOja1:
See finish
See wetin Tinubu cause.

Sheuns:
They see how we refer to ourselves online.

They saw how some government officials referred to their fellow countrymen as drug peddlers online.

We shouldn’t be taking offense when they start following such path.

You can’t sell your brother cheaply and expect others to price him costly.

REDshouse:
Why can't Nigeria Gov Cut Ties with Their sad African counterparts...let's stop all possible biz transactions and any bilateral whatever between both countries and let's move on

Trustedpronet:
Who is held responsible for the killings in Nigeria. Even bandits that killed our soldiers are integrated into the army. Charity begins at home

Fatbam003:
If the foundation be spoiled.... we know why their guts is strong

Burob:
When I visited Joburg some years ago, which I have visited on a few occasions, na peeps from the South East dey run the dens, no joking.

OgbeniOja1:
See finish
See wetin Tinubu cause.

Kalashnikov49:
How can you afford to visit...when hunger holds you down like a duplex on your head?

You think it's by shouting mandate and trekking to south Africa?

Go sleep..loser

OgbeniOja1:
See finish
See wetin Tinubu cause.