THE Zimbabwean Government has condemned the barbaric acts of violence on its citizens and other African nationals in South Africa that have so far left more than 20 dead and several others injured and displaced. 
The Government also issued a travel warning to all Zimbabweans who intend to visit South Africa, urging them to take necessary precautions before travelling. 
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all Zimbabweans and other African nationals who suffered from the senseless orgy of violence in South Africa. The Government and people of Zimbabwe condemn the barbaric acts, which clearly offends the spirit of African unity and solidarity as espoused by the African Union’s founding fathers in Addis Ababa in 1963,” said the Government in a statement released this afternoon by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. 
 “The despicable attacks come at an inopportune time when African leaders have just launched a continent-wide Africa Free Trade Area, which has opened exciting economic opportunities that facilitate free movement of capital, labour, goods and services. We applaud the South African Government for their swift intervention to end the violence and bring the perpetrators to book. All Zimbabweans living in South Africa and those travelling to the country are urged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety,” read the statement.
The Afrophobic attacks began early this week in parts of South Africa, targeting foreigners and foreign-owned businesses. The violence has seen hundreds of nationals from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Malawi displaced in the Southern African country, one of the continent’s biggest economies. — The Patriot