Somalis targeted Much of the xenophobic violence that continues to occur in South Africa is directed at foreign nationals running small grocery stores known as ‘spaza’ shops in townships and informal settlements. The majority of these shops are run by refugees and asylum-seekers from Somalia. Their lack of access to justice is the focus of a new report by Roni Amit, another ACMS researcher. As well as experiencing higher rates of robberies than their South African counterparts, Somali traders are the targets of looting, intimidation, arson and murder - crimes often orchestrated by competing South African traders. Due to their relative isolation from the communities they live and work in, Somali traders are excluded from informal justice mechanisms that locals depend on. “Forced to rely almost exclusively on the formal institutions of justice, Somali traders are hampered by a lack of faith in the police and courts that is exacerbated by language barriers and a lack of understanding of how the justice system works,” writes Amit. The resulting low conviction rates for crimes against Somali traders have added to the perception that they are easy targets, increasing their vulnerability. Amit recommends the South African Police Service (SAPS) take more action to protect Somali shops from looting and intimidation - crimes that rarely result in arrests - and fairer enforcement of trading regulations. The enforcement of such regulations is now often used selectivelyagainst foreign traders. Somali community organizations also have a role to play by providing their members with information about the workings of the criminal justice system and encouraging them to participate more in community affairs.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 07:23:02 +0000
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