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Anti-crime operation not targeting foreigners: S. African gov't

Xinhua, May 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

An ongoing anti-crime operation is not targeting foreigners but aims to deal with issues of criminality such as illegal weapons, drug dens, prostitution rings and other illegal activities, the government said on Thursday.

"Cabinet reiterates that this operation is not targeted at foreign nationals, instead it is targeted at the criminality within our country as unmasked through a series of consultations with communities," acting cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said at a press briefing in Cape Town after a fortnightly cabinet meeting.

"To this effect, cabinet dismisses in the strongest terms the assertion that this operation is targeted at foreign nationals."

The South African Police Service (SAPS), the army and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) jointly launched the operation, known as Operation Fiela (meaning "sweep" in Sesotho), soon after the recent xenophobia attacks were brought to an end in late April. The attacks left seven people killed and thousands of foreigners displaced.

Since the operation was launched, about 1,000 illegal immigrants, most of them from African countries, have been rounded up and are awaiting deportation.

Several civil organizations, including Doctors without Borders (MSF) and Lawyers for Human Rights, have voiced concern over the crackdown on illegal immigrants. They say the SA government denounces xenophobia but targets foreigners as criminals.

Williams rejected the allegations, saying that South Africa, as a country that prides itself with having the best and the most liberal constitution in the world, has taken a center stage on human rights issues, "as such we cannot authorize an operation that will violate the human rights of any individuals or groups".

She said the cabinet is happy with the progress made through Operation Fiela and welcomes the response from community members who are partnering with law enforcement officers in making sure that all are and feel safe in the country.

This operation which intensifies the fight against crime also assist to promote and create a safer and more secure South Africa, Williams noted. Endi