The federal government has criticised Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s minister in the presidency, over her call for Nigeria to disclose the locations of alleged drug dens linked to Nigerians in the former apartheid country.

Ntshavheni made those comments in a press conference on Friday while rebuffing the possibilities of compensating Nigerians whose properties were left behind following their evacuation in the wake of anti-migrant tensions.

The minister said South Africa would rather focus on ridding the country of the “drug dens” left by Nigerians.

“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are. So they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” Ntshavheni said.

“Squatter camps and informal settlements are never properties because they are illegal in the country. So you are already violating our law if you are going to tell us about a shack in some informal settlement.”

“So there’s no compensation that will come from government. Those who leave their properties, if they are properly legally registered in the country, they can dispose of the properties in the property market in South Africa — whether it’s a movable or immovable property. And we are going to seriously appreciate to be told where are the drug dens.”

Ntshavheni doubled down her stance after Shehu Sani, former senator representing Kaduna central, expressed shock at her comments.

“I didn’t stutter,” she replied Sani.


NIGERIA REACTS

A statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the foreign affairs ministry, said Ntshavheni’s comments were concerning and inflammatory.

“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the statement reads.

“The gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”

Just before the June 30 deadline set by rights groups for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, two Nigerians were killed.

At least four Nigerians have been officially reported dead since the violence began in April but some repatriated Nigerians have alleged a higher death toll.

The foreign ministry asked South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the killings and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The ministry said it is South Africa’s duty to protect the lives and properties of Nigerian nationals, just as there are numerous South African nationals and businesses operating safely in Nigeria without harassment.

Nigeria threatened to take action if the situation persists