South Africa closes consulate over xenophobic attacks

South Africa has closed its consulate in Lagos, Nigeria, following protests sparked by xenophobic attacks in SA.

The closure was announced by the South African Consul-General in Nigeria, Sam Monaisa.

Monaisa said, in an email to the South African business forum in Nigeria, that the office would remain closed till Thursday, April 23, 2015, The Guardian reports.

The Consul General also reportedly accused Nigerians of using social media to blow an already tense situation out of proportion.

Monaisa also warned members of the forum to be mindful of their movement as South African businesses and citizens usually became targets of threats and acts of retaliation whenever xenophobic attacks occurred in the country.