The brutal murder of a 36-year-old Zimbabwean woman in Alberton, Gauteng, has ignited outrage and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by foreign nationals in South Africa.
The woman was killed on Sunday following a dispute with a neighbour over a canvas sail used to cover their shacks.
Ngqabutho Mabhena, spokesperson for ZimCommunity SA, a human rights group, expressed deep shock and disappointment at the incident. He detailed the horrific circumstances: “This young mother with her baby on her back was savagely hacked to death with an axe by a man known to the community. Her children saw what had happened. The tragedy unfolded when she sought to reclaim her canvas sail, which the assailant had taken to cover his shack,” Mabhena said.
Mabhena’s statement underscores the vulnerability of migrants in South Africa. He criticised the lack of police action, stating, “This barbaric act highlights the ongoing vulnerability and systemic injustices faced by migrants in South Africa. It is deeply troubling that law enforcement has yet to act decisively.” The assailant, known to the community, remains at large.
Mabhena further elaborated on the broader challenges faced by foreign nationals in South Africa, stating: “Foreign nationals face challenges, including human rights abuses such as inadequate access to justice and health care. The right to life, enshrined in the South African Constitution, is universal and must be upheld for everyone. Yet, migrants often endure violence, neglect, and indifference from the justice system. This incident is not isolated — many crimes against migrants go unaddressed, dehumanising them and fostering a culture of impunity.”
He emphasised the positive contributions of foreign nationals, particularly those from other African countries, to the South African economy, stating, “We appeal to all people to reflect on their shared humanity. Migrants contribute to the growth and diversity of this society. Violence against any individual, irrespective of their nationality, violates the values of justice and dignity. We urge citizens and residents to unite against such atrocities and demand accountability from law enforcement and public institutions.”
The axe murder has once again brought to the forefront the issue of xenophobia and the systemic inequalities faced by migrants in South Africa. The lack of swift police action in apprehending the known assailant further fuels concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable populations. The call for accountability and a renewed focus on upholding the rights of all residents, regardless of nationality, resonates strongly in the wake of this tragic event.
The victim was allegedly beaten by the “officials” after they demanded to see his identity documents. The Zimbabwean Community in South Africa (ZimCommunitySA) has strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “grievous beating” and a “clear violation of human rights”.
“ZimCommunitySA strongly condemns the grievous beating of a Zimbabwean national at Cedar Square yesterday, allegedly by individuals purporting to be officials from the Department of Home Affairs,” reads a statement released by the organisation at the time. “This incident is deeply troubling, especially as it marks the third occurrence of such violent acts by so-called “officials” when demanding documentation from migrants.”
This tragic incident comes amidst a wave of fear sweeping through the Zimbabwean community in South Africa as the country’s immigration authorities embark on a stringent crackdown on undocumented migrants. The crackdown which is being driven by the new Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, has resulted in immigration officials conducting door-to-door searches and intensifying inspections at businesses and workplaces, and has left many Zimbabweans living in constant fear of being apprehended and deported.
