March 24, 2008, 19:30
Tensions are still simmering in Atteridgeville, in western Tshwane, following the torching of more shacks belonging to foreigners today.
Police and Emergency Services officials had their hands full when at least 10 shacks in the Phomolong, Brazzaville and Siyahlala areas were set alight. This follows similar incidents earlier this month during which foreigners were attacked and some of their shops burnt and looted, allegedly by locals.
It is believed the attacks are a display of xenophobia, but officials are not confirming this. Some of the foreigners, have however, claimed they were attacked because they are not South African.
More than 140 men, women and children from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are tonight being housed in a school in Atteridgeville under police guard. While some claim they have asylum papers, others are in the country illegally.
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