UDM calls for probe into xenophobic attacks

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa has called for a commission of inquiry to investigate recent xenophobia attacks, as opposed to "leaving the investigation to a group of ministers and technocrats".

Holomisa was speaking in Botshabelo, east of Bloemfontein, where he addressed members of the 12 Apostles Church. Holomisa says the ministers are already telling the country that a third force is involved. "If there is such a force then the evidence must be brought before the Commission of Inquiry," he said.

The terms of reference should also include the investigation of other acts of violence in the past 12 months when people barricaded townships and roads, killed councillors and burnt their homes. He says it is important to establish whether there is a link between those incidents and the latest attacks xenophobic attacks.

He says now that the government has called in the army, it should also appoint a commission of inquiry into the causes of the xenophobic attacks. This inquiry should also be expanded to Mozambique and Zimbabwe so that statements can also be taken there.

Political parties have again slammed government's performance in dealing with the attacks. The South African Communist Party in the Western Cape says government's macro economic policy and its "quiet diplomacy" on Zimbabwe are some of the underlying reasons for the recent spate of xenophobic attacks across the country.

In the Free State, the Democratic Alliance has expressed concern that xenophobic attacks could spread in the province. Provincial leader Roy Jankielsohn says reports of incidents at Villiers should serve as a warning to the Free State Government and the police. He says the DA earlier warned that there was dissatisfaction in Mangaung because some immigrants are operating taxis illegally.