CAPE TOWN - A Kraaifontein man is calling on the government to urgently address the country’s immigration crisis.
Bonaphi Xakeka (61) works as a grass cutter and was attacked by a mob on Tuesday.
The group allegedly mistook him for an undocumented migrant, the very group of people they’d been chasing out of the area.
"We weren’t warned about the shutdown. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have gone to work," Xakeka said.
Xakeka says he now has to cough up R8,000 to fix his vehicle, funds he does not have and cannot afford.
"I use that bakkie to travel to my odd jobs. Now I can’t work. I haven’t earned anything in two days," he said.
"My wife hasn’t been paid either. My daughter is studying in Cala, and I have to cover her accommodation."
Meanwhile, provincial police say they’ve arrested 215 people on charges ranging from public violence to contravening the Immigration Act.
The Somali community says 45 spaza shops were attacked across the province.
The Somali community leaders say while they recognise the right to protest, they're appealing for peace as they too must live in the community.
- eNCA's Nobesuthu Hejana reports.