The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa has condemned fresh attacks on Nigerian – owned businesses located in Witbank Mpumalamga in South Africa, saying it is worrisome.

The President of NICASA, Mr Ben Okoli, who made this known in a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday , described the attack as a criminal act .

He said that the attack, which occurred around 9: 00 a .m . on Tuesday was carried out despite President Muhammadu Buhari ’s state visit to that country on October 3 .

Okoli said, “ There was an attack on Nigerian -owned businesses in Witbank Mpumalamga ; this was not xenophobia attack but criminality masterminded by the taxi drivers under the guise of fighting crime .

“ About five Nigerian – owned businesses were attacked , vandalised and burnt ; the businesses included a big spare parts dealership, two restaurants, a grocery shop, and Nigerian foodstuff shop.

“ NICASA leadership was informed and we intimated the Consul General of Nigerian High Commission immediately , who in turn contacted the relevant authorities and they swung into action to control the attack. ’’

He said that the association and the Police in that province held a meeting and both organisations visited the affected shops , businesses and those admitted in the hospital over some injuries sustained .

According to him , the association demanded the protection of the lives of Nigerians in the province and elsewhere in the country .

He also urged Nigerians living there to be law -abiding and not to take the law into their hands, saying a follow- up meeting will be organised to promote mutual understanding between both nationals.

“ The Nigerians attacked were not into any illegal dealing, but are into legitimate businesses and were not conducting themselves in any bad way.

“ The attack was totally unprovoked and unwarranted; the taxi drivers took the law into their hands and acted on Nigerians ,” the president added .

(NAN )