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.

But I felt she was not very visible and was concerned that she might be hurt by a car while working so today I gave her a hi-vis vest to help keep her safe.

I admire her for playing a role in the community and for all her hard work, commitment and dedication.

Patrick Maphoso mulls over the question. “About once a week,” he says at last. “Yeah, I’d say I experience racism of some sort here every single week.”

The South African has lived in Dublinsince 2001 and stood as an independent in last year’s local election. He failed to win a seat in Dublin City Council but he achieved nationwide coverage when he spoke of the racism he experienced on the campaign trail.

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Over 1,500 people – from all backgrounds and all races – took the streets and marched  to the Irish Parliament to say ‘Never Again’.

It’s vital that our message is heard.

The life of the young, talented footballer, who wanted to play for Ireland one day, was cut short on Good Friday in terrible circumstances.

Young people all around me were very upset and could not hold their tears. “Never again will our people be killed on the streets of Dublin,” a young man said.

Two Irish brothers have appeared in court in connection with his death.

Toyosi’s funeral will be held on Thursday.

Two deportation flights have already departed this month, the product of inhumane and twisted immigration policies that flout the nation’s commitment to cherish all the children equally. Do these Irish children need their parents any less than any other child in this country?

We marched on the Dáil and the Department of Justice carrying a coffin to mourn the final passing of human rights in this land.

I was honored to be a judge and also present the trophies.

• The winner was Gintaras Valatka from Luthuania
• 2nd place went to Kwesi Ahomka from Ghana
• 3rd place was awarded to Domonika Kowalska from Poland

Congratulations to all.