Patrick’s interview with Stephen Breen from today’s Irish News of the World

RACISM is at an all-time high in Ireland, a leading anti-hate campaigner has warned.

Former ANC activist Patrick Maphoso, 41, says ethnic families here are living in fear.

And he warned the suspected race-hate killing of Toyosi Shitta-bey, 15, in Tyrellstown on April 2, won’t be the last.

Mr Maphoso – who was told while visiting a friend in Cabra, north Dublin, last year that he would be KILLED if he returned to the area – wants cops to do more to stop the attacks.

Abuse

He said: “The abuse is relentless.

It is a massive problem in Ireland and everyone has to act to combat it.

“I’m backing your Save Our Streets campaign to stop this bloodshed.

“I hope the silent majority will join us in standing up and telling these fascist scum they have no place in a modern society.”

Mr Maphoso has been a prominent anti-racism campaigner in Ireland since leaving South Africa in 2001.

He added: “People are being attacked in their homes every day and they are terrified of speaking out because nothing is ever done about it.

“I’ve already held meetings with the guards about racism but the attacks continue.”

Toyosi’s grieving mum Bola and his pals have been afraid to walk the streets since his death.

Family friend, Khagita Benjamin, said: “People are really worried for their kids’ safety.”

Cops have stepped up their efforts to target the bigots since Toyosi, an under-15 football star with Shelbourne, was stabbed to death.

Sgt Dave McInerney, 49, said: “Ethnic groups who feel vulnerable don’t have to live in fear, we’re always here for them.” Sgt McInerney and colleague Gda Jon O’Mahony, of the Garda’s Racial and Intercultural unit, last night warned racist thugs they face long jail terms.

They insisted cops were winning the fight against the racists, with the number of reported attacks down from 165 in 2008 to 121 last year.

And Sgt McInerney said he was hopeful there would be even fewer this year.

“We will not tolerate any forms of racism and I’d go anywhere to meet people who have been victims of brutal attacks to help bring the culprits to justice.

“We have a team of 400 ethnic liasion officers who are working hard to build good relationships. We’re also firmly behind your Save Our Streets campaign.

Trust

“Racism is an appalling crime but we deal in facts and evidence.

I need people to come forward and trust us.”

Gda O’Mahony added: “A very small minority of people are responsible for isolated racist attacks in this country and we will always do our best to bring them before the courts.”

The two officers are planning to hold public forums in Dublin where ethnic minority groups can voice their views and fears.