The effects of the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa are now being witnessed beyond borders. The latest that has happened is that the Multichoice offices in Zambia have been closed, with all workers sent back home in fear of being attacked by a revengeful mob.
It is reported that some Zambians have been looting South African companies based in Zambia as revenge for the ongoing xenophobia in South Africa, which started on September 1st.
Key to note is that Multichoice had just slashed its DStv bouquet prices in various markets and scores of customers were visiting the company’s offices to have their subscriptions renewed with others purchasing new decoders for their entertainment.
The story is very similar to what is happening in Nigeria, a country whose nationals are the main target of the attacks in South Africa, and Multichoice has resorted to keeping its offices closed in the country as well in a bid “to safeguard customers and staff until further notices”.
In Ngeria, Shoprite and MTN are also under fear of attacks as reports indicate that Nigerian citizens are staging riots towards the companies’ shops and outlets.
The MTN Group said in a statement that it had closed its stores and service centres in Nigeria “as a precaution” after four stores in Nigeria were attacked. It also closed several stores in Johannesburg.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly instructed his foreign affairs minister to initiate discussions with South Africa’s high commissioner regarding the xenophobic riots.
