Thabo Mbeki Reveals Dark Motives Behind 2008 Xenophobic Attacks Targeting Zimbabweans
In a surprising development, former South African President Thabo Mbeki has made a startling claim regarding the horrific 2008 xenophobic attacks in Alexandra, Gauteng, where many Zimbabweans lost their lives. According to Mbeki, these attacks were not spontaneous acts of violence but part of a deliberate strategy aimed at forcing Zimbabweans to return home and vote against then-president Robert Mugabe.
Revelations at the Unisa
Mbeki made this jaw-dropping revelation on Thursday during a conversation with students at the University of South Africa, in Pretoria. He explained that as president at the time, he had access to an intelligence report that revealed both the motives and the individuals behind the orchestrated attacks.
“There is an intelligence report that I had access to as president at the time that names the people and the motives behind the attacks,” he said.
In March 2008, Zimbabwe held general elections. After neither Morgan Tsvangirai nor Mugabe secured an outright majority, a runoff election was scheduled for June. In May, a wave of xenophobic attacks erupted in the crowded streets of Alexandra and soon spread to other areas of Gauteng.
Mbeki Uncovers Shocking Motive Behind 2008 Xenophobic Violence
Mbeki expressed regret over his decision not to declassify the intelligence report at the time. He emphasized that the people of Alexandra were not responsible for the violence, stating that the attacks were carefully organized and politically motivated.
“There’s intelligence report with names, dates and venues where people met and planned this and so on. It’s presented as a xenophobic attack by the people of Alexandra; it was wrong; it was organised, systematic and for a political purpose. I’m seeing the mistake we made; we should’ve declassified that intelligence report,” Mbeki explained.
Addressing Misconceptions About Foreigners
Thabo Mbeki said that although it is believed that foreign nationals are causing the financial crisis in South Africa, that’s not the case. However, he said South Africa’s borders need to be controlled and restricted.