Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa, Henry Hamadziripi, has confirmed that two Zimbabweans, Talent Moyo and Felix Nkomo, are among the 7 people killed by a vigilante group in Diepsloot, Johannesburg last Friday.
According to AFP, the victims were found burnt to death in two separate incidents in Diepsloot’s extension 12 and 13.
Ambassador Hamadziripi described the incident as tragic and said they are helping the deceased’s relatives to repatriate their bodies.
Gauteng Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said, “preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were assaulted and burned by the mob.” He strongly condemned acts of vigilantism and said they are yet to arrest the alleged killers.
Imisebenzi Yamapostoli Church in Diepsloot where Moyo and Nkomo confirmed that they were the last to see the two before they were stoned and set on fire.
“The two were supposed to attend an evening church session with us but they never came back after going back to take their garbs. It appears as if they were killed on their way to our evening prayers. They died for nothing … Just like that,” said Mehluli Ncube, a member of Imisebenzi Yamapostoli Church.
Ncube said they are currently seeking for help in raising almost R40,000 for ferrying their bodies to Zimbabwe.
“We have talked to the Zimbabwe consulate staff and indications are that they will also chip in,” said Ncube.
Zimbabweans living in South Africa say they are now living in fear of being attacked by South Africans being mobilized by Operation Dudula, South Africa First and others who want to get rid of illegal foreigners.
Thousands of Zimbabweans are living and working in South Africa due to economic problems back home.
Forum