Security beefed up in Alexandra following attacks

Police spokesperson Neria Malefetse says the security around Alexandra north east of Johannesburg has been beefed up after xenophobic attacks on foreigners. She says the number of people arrested in connection with the attacks has risen to 50.

Thousands of foreign nationals living in the area have received food parcels and blankets at local police stations after fleeing their homes following these attacks.

Some of them say they are worried about their family members who have been missing since last night. Two people have been killed and dozens others injured during the attacks which started on Sunday. A building was set alight and several vehicles destroyed as attacks on foreigners continued. Last night an unconfirmed number of people sheltered at the youth centre were robbed of their belongings and cash.

Meanwhile today some residents were going from house to house recruiting people to join in the attacks on foreigners.