International humanitarian organisations have commended the Polokwane Municipality for its swift response to this week's xenophobic attacks at the Westernburg Township in the province.

About 200 foreign nationals, mostly Zimbabweans, fled their homes in the township on Monday night, after residents attacked them - accusing them of carrying out a spate of criminal attacks on locals. The Polokwane Municipality and the police took the victims to the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Mahomed Hassan of the International Organisation for Migration says they are satisfied with the living conditions there: "It is my belief that the South African government, local municipality and district and provincial structures have responded to this specific violent case in the Westernburg in the best possible manner. The affected people have been removed from the houses immediately and they were housed in a place where there is showers, toilets and a place to sleep."

Twelve local suspects have been arrested and are expected to appear in court this afternoon. Limpopo police said they expect to make more arrests in connection with the xenophobia-related attacks. Police say the suspects will be charged with public violence and assault. They're expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court soon.

Xenophobic attacks have become a common feature in South Africa, following attacks that swept through the townships of Johannesburg and other areas resulting in 15 000 migrants being forced into settlement camps last year. Millions of Zimbabweans fled to South Africa following an economic meltdown that left many jobless.