'Attacks on foreigners acts of criminality'

Firoz Cachalia, the Gauteng security MEC

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Firoz Cachalia has described xenophobic attacks in Alexandra north of Johannesburg as acts of criminality. He was addressing the media after visiting the Alexandra police station where he was briefed about the situation.

Two people have died and dozens have been injured in the attacks that started on Sunday. There has been widespread condemnation following attacks on foreigners in Alexandra township in Johannesburg.

At a meeting of stakeholders today, poverty was identified as the catalyst behind the violence. Now the Human Rights Commission wants to hold a national summit to try to resolve the issue.

The mood in Alex remains somber and tense while the brutal attacks continue. Violence flared up again last night. Foreigners were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. Anger and fear are mounting and now many want to return to the country they originally fled from. Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula describes the attacks as a social crime.

However, amidst the hatred there has been some compassion. Food parcels were handed out to the displaced. Analysts have criticised government's handling of the matter. Efforts have been made to ensure the affected have somewhere safe to sleep tonight. Fifty people were arrested in connection with these attacks and charged with murder, public violence and theft.