Two weeks after the start of the xenophobic attacks in Gauteng, the government and police are still at a loss on how to handle the escalating violence.
“The attacks keep on taking us by surprise. When we think the situation is under control something erupts somewhere else. People think it is now the fashion to attack for nationals. And we still have not tangible reason why,” an official from the Department of Home Affairs told the Mail & Guardian on Monday.
George Masnalabo of the department’s counter-xenophobia unit said a provincial task team set up to deal with the xenophobic attacks has seen patterns emerging, but has no structured approach on how to handle them.
“The attacks take place in the most densely populated parts of informal settlements, where it is difficult for the police to gain access. It is also more lootings than actual attacks,” he said.
A separate task team was announced by President Thabo Mbeki this weekend to deal with the attacks, but has not met yet. The team will comprise representatives from the departments of safety and security, intelligence, social development, defence and the Presidency.
According to Siobhan McCarthy, this team will look at long-term, sustainable solutions. The terms of reference are still being decided on, and the team will be led by the director general of home affairs.
Apart from this, the government is continuing with its johnny-come-lately approach.
“Our primary concern now is that people under attack, making sure they have food and somewhere to stay,” McCarthy said.
The provincial leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) is congratulating itself on playing a pivotal role in stopping the violence in Alexandra and Diepsloot townships.
Provincial ANC spokesperson Nat Kekana said the party had convened meetings with the community shortly after the attacks started. “There the community took a decision that this things has to stop.”
The ANC also sees “a pattern emerging” in the attacks.
“They all start in the hostels and the people living around the hostels are the ones who are in danger. The criminal elements use these hostels as havens. From the pattern we can deduce there is a hidden hand.”
The ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party has vowed to work together to stop the attacks. In Thokoza, a joint organising committee was formed to deal with the situation.
Statements by Mbeki and the Cabinet condemning the violence have done little to stop the attacks, which reportedly have spread to other parts of Gauteng.