Opposition planned 2008 Xenophobic attacks on Zimbabweans: Thabo Mbeki

By Enia Dube

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has made a stunning revelation about the 2008 xenophobic attacks on Zimbabweans in South Africa, claiming they were a deliberate attempt to force then-President Robert Mugabe to resign.

In a recent interview, Mbeki alleged that the attacks, which left dozens dead and hundreds displaced, were not just spontaneous outbursts of violence but a calculated strategy to pressure Mugabe’s government. He also claimed that certain forces within South Africa and internationally orchestrated the violence to achieve regime change in Zimbabwe. 

“The 2008 xenophobic attacks were not just random acts of violence, but a planned strategy to force Mugabe to resign. They were external forces that wanted to see the back of Mugabe, and they used the attacks as a means to achieve that goal,” added Mbeki

Mbeki’s claims have sparked a heated debate about the true nature of the 2008 attacks and the involvement of external forces. While some have welcomed Mbeki’s revelation, others have questioned his motives and the timing of his statement. 

“Mbeki’s claims are a wake-up call for us to re-examine the circumstances surrounding the 2008 attacks,If true, it’s a damning indictment of those who would use violence and intimidation to achieve their political goals.”said a political analyst who preferred anonymity. 

The 2008 xenophobic attacks remain a dark chapter in South Africa’s history, and Mbeki’s claims have raised important questions about accountability and the need for transparency. As the country continues to grapple with the legacy of those attacks, Mbeki’s revelation serves as a reminder that the truth is often complex and multifaceted.