The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) says on-the-rampage ex-President Jacob Zuma’s supporters have destroyed properties belonging to Nigerians and other foreign nations.

The association, therefore, warned Nigerians to avoid troubled areas.

The President-General of NICASA, Benjamin Okoli, said on Sunday, “Jules Street Johannesburg has been torched by these hoodlums, where they had destroyed properties of mostly foreign nationals.”

Mr Okoli added, “The attack started at about 2:00 a.m., earlier this morning and had continued, the police have not been able to get access to the area, which had been blocked by the Zulu arsonists.”

He urged Nigerians living in South Africa to avoid hotspots.

“We appeal to Nigerians to please keep away from this troubled area until peace and normalcy return. Many Nigerians are business owners in those areas and most likely to be affected by this great loss.

“However, irrespective of the loss, life is more important. We request our people to be vigilant and carefully monitor their movement in the affected areas and beyond,” Mr Okoli stated.

According to him, South Africa is tense, arising from the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma, adding that his supporters had demanded his immediate release.

He further expressed concern over unlawful attacks by South Africans on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to be worrisome.

“We bemoan the incessant attacks on Nigerians business and properties over matters that do not concern them. We have often been sacrificed on the altar of politics with great losses.

“We will continue to appeal to the appropriate authorities to provide protection, especially at a time like this,” Mr Okoli added.

(NAN)