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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) yesterday said they will not comment on the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, just a few weeks before the rainbow nation plays host to the 2015 edition of the Cosafa Cup. Cosafa said the attack on foreigners was a political issue hence they did not want to be involved.

Fourteen countries from the Southern region, including special guests, Ghana and Tanzania will be in the North West province in South Africa from May 17 to 30 for the Cosafa Cup that is bankrolled by South African Breweries through the Castle Lager brand and energy drink, Power Horse.

The regional football motherbody said the merciless attacks on foreign nationals by the South Africans was a political issue which should be addressed by politicians.

“We don’t make comments on issues of a political nature. It’s happening in a country playing host to the Cosafa Cup 2015 and the tournament is just a month away. It’s however important to note that the attacks are far from where the tournament will be held,” said the Cosafa chief operating officer Sue Destombes in a telephone interview yesterday.

Zifa said they will make a comment on Zimbabwe’s position today.

The attacks have however received widespread condemnation with Zimbabwe’s Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Jonathan Moyo saying Zimbabwe was watching with concern the unfolding wave of violence which he said appeared to be targeted at black Africans.

Minister Moyo, who used the word Afrophobia instead of xenophobia, warned that it could easily mutate into genocide.

“Xenophobia today can easily mutate into genocide tomorrow. Stop it,” the Minister said on Twitter, using the hashtag #AfrophobiaInSAMustEnd.

South Africa-born cricketer Kevin Pietersen has become the first sporting personality to publicly condemn the attacks with his tweet to his more than two million followers about the xenophobic attacks:

“Why is South Africa going this way? Such a beautiful country! Makes me sad and angry at the same time! Zuma — WAKE UP!” Pietersen, now playing for England twitted.

Five people have so far been killed and according to South African media, police in Kwazulu Natal have confirmed.

“The violence has claimed five lives from the end of March to date, with one of the victims being a 14-year-old youth,” police spokesperson Jay Naicker is quoted saying by Sabc news.

“Seventy four arrests have been effected thus far for offences including murder, public violence, business robbery, theft and possession of firearms and ammunition.”