Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities Berta Nunes said today that the Portuguese community in South Africa is “frightened” by violent unrest in the country, but that there are no reports of deaths or injuries among Portuguese.
“People are scared, and that’s understandable. They have already made several phone calls informing them of situations they are aware of, as well as asking for advice and raising concerns. This is normal, naturally, and it should also encourage people to take maximum precautions, ”he told Luce Berta Nunes by phone.
“In the area where a large part of the Portuguese community in Johannesburg is located, namely in the consulate, there have been no riots so far, but we know that both in KwaZulu-Natal and in Gauteng there were cases of Portuguese trade, various activities, which were looted, ”the official said, explaining that six businesses were affected: three in KwaZulu-Natal province and three in Gauteng province.
The secretary added that “so far, although these six situations have already been identified, where Portuguese establishments have been looted and even set on fire, there have been no deaths in the Portuguese community.”
However, Berta Nunez lamented about “other deaths” that occurred during the riots. Authorities say at least 45 people have died and more than 700 have been detained in violent unrest that engulfed South Africa for the sixth day in a row since the arrest of Jacob Zuma, former head of state and former head of the African National Congress (ANC, abbreviation in English).
The secretary of state called for “maximum caution” and for the Portuguese community to “follow the recommendations of the authorities.”
Berta Nunes advised the population not to go to the consulate in Johannesburg, as it is closed.
“It is closed to prevent people from going to the consulate because we are advising the community to avoid travel,” he said, adding that the appeal was also directed, if they can, elements of the Portuguese community do not open business “in more complex areas” …
“Today the Ambassador is writing a letter to the entire community to provide some guidance,” he said, adding that community members in South Africa could “use the consular emergency services if they need help” or call the emergency number assistance consulate in Johannesburg.
A government official said that during this time “it is necessary to remain calm so as not to leave the house in areas where this unrest exists, and also, if possible, not to open businesses in the most difficult areas and, as the government is taking measures to normalize the situation.” … the situation “, the Portuguese executive will also” closely monitor the situation. “
“We hope that this situation will be resolved very soon,” he concluded.
The South African government has deployed 2,500 soldiers to support police in containing riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, the country’s economic powerhouse.
