Building torched, vehicles destroyed in Alexandra

Dozens of foreigners living in Alexandra outside Sandton are seeking refuge at police stations

A building has been set alight and a number of vehicles destroyed in renewed xenophobic attacks in Alexandra township, northeast of Johannesburg. Police spokesperson Neria Malefetse says violent incidents have spread to various parts of Alexandra throughout the night.

Hundreds of additional police were earlier deployed after attacks on foreigners claimed the lives of two people and injured more than 50 others. Malefetse says renewed attacks were carried out as soon as police moved to other parts of the area.

Earlier Alexandra residents complained about illegal residents saying that they rob them when they go to work and on their way back from work. Most of the foreigners living in the township are Zimbabweans.