Police fire rubber bullets in Alexandra

It is alleged that the attacks were planned at a meeting by the Alexandra Resident Association

Police fired rubber bullets at Alexandra residents lighting fires in London Road tonight. Residents were holding an impromptu meeting along the main road in the township when tempers flared.

The crowd lit a fire in the middle of the road and resisted when police attempted to disperse the meeting. Rubber bullets were then fired at the crowd.

Zimbabwean nationals who wish to be repatriated back to their country, following the xenophobic attacks in Alexandra, should approach their Consul General's office, said a spokesperson today. The spokesperson - who did not want to be named - said his office was readily available to assist Zimbabweans wishing to return home.

He said the atmosphere in Alexandra was volatile and in "state of flux." The spokesperson said the media should bear some responsibility for the flaring up of xenophobic acts, as they inflated the number of Zimbabwean immigrants in their articles.

"There are so many undocumented immigrants in South Africa, but the media just concentrates on Zimbabwe and gives a gross exaggeration of figures," he said.

Meanwhile, the Malawian Consul General's office said it had not had access to its nationals who were caught up in the xenophobic attacks. A source in the office - who did not wish to be named - said the situation in Alexandra was "too hostile" and police had advised officials to stay away until the issue "simmers down."

Police Spokesperson Govindsamy Mariemuthoo, however, said the police were on the ground and would monitor the situation to ensure the safety of all. - Sapa