Situation tense after more violence in Alexandra

Police fail to bring calm to troubled Alexandra Township

The situation remains tense in Alexandra Township, north east of Johannesburg, after violent clashes erupted between police and locals last night. This follows xenophobic attacks which broke out in the township on Sunday.

Locals have accused foreigners of being behind a series of criminal activities in the township. Foreigners are also accused of taking all the jobs from locals, as well as houses. Last night more violent demonstrations broke out and criminal activities erupted in various parts of the township.

The residents went on the rampage burning tyres, throwing stones at the police and blockading the streets of Alexandra. Police retaliated by firing rubber bullets, raiding several homes and arresting scores of people.

Three people have been killed since the violence erupted on Sunday.

The ANC has called on members of the community to remain calm and to allow police to handle the situation. ANC Alexandra spokesperson, Pule Phalatse, says the party wants the community to be vigilant and not to be used by what he calls 'sinister forces and criminal elements that are trying to destabilise the township.