Presidency rejects WHO’s version of foreign national deaths in SA
· The South African
The Presidency has cautioned against the spread of misinformation regarding South Africa’s immigration challenges following comments by World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus concerning recent deaths involving foreign nationals.
The response comes after the WHO chief condemned what he described as renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, alleging that several people had been killed, including at least five Ethiopian nationals and five Mozambican nationals.
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Accurate and reliable
In a statement, the Presidency said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation would engage with the WHO to ensure that the information available to the organisation is accurate and reliable.
According to the Presidency, the WHO’s characterisation of the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals was incorrect.
“The events that led to the deaths of these Ethiopian nationals fall within the realm of organised crime, as has already been publicly reported, and are being actively investigated by law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.
The government added that the circumstances surrounding the death of a Mozambican national in Mossel Bay remain under active investigation by the South African Police Service.
Empowered to enforce the law
The Presidency reiterated that President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration have consistently maintained that only duly authorised law enforcement officials are empowered to enforce the law.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration have been unequivocal in their stance: only duly authorized law enforcement officials have the mandate to enforce the law,” the Presidency said.
While disputing aspects of the WHO’s statement, the government expressed sympathy for those affected by the recent incidents.
Deeply regretted loss of life
The Presidency said it deeply regretted the loss of life and extended its condolences to the families and communities impacted.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected,” the statement concluded.
The planned engagement between South Africa and the WHO is expected to focus on clarifying the facts surrounding the incidents and the government’s response to immigration-related challenges.