Foreign traders under attack plead for mercy

FEELING oppressed in their own countries due to wars, political infighting and poverty, foreign nationals travelled to South Africa for a chance at a better life.

Before they arrived, they heard that the country would provide them with job opportunities, safety and equality.

However, in recent months, the foreign traders have come under threat, allegedly by members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA).

Last Monday, a group of men, an allegation the MKMVA denied, damaged and set alight trading stalls belonging to foreign street vendors in the Durban Central Business District.

Many street vendors – who trade on Bertha Mkhize (Victoria) Street, Ingcunce Road (Albert Street) and near The Workshop on Samora Machel (Aliwal) Street – have had their stock and equipment either stolen or destroyed. They say their human rights were violated.

Some did not feel safe returning to their homes and instead