Police fired at by Diepsloot residents

Hundreds have been displaced after xenophobic attacks

Police say live ammunition has been fired at them in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, where xenophobic violence broke out this week in the wake of that at Alexandra. Metro police spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar, says residents fired at police and threw stones at them during clashes last night. Police dispersed the crowd with rubber bullets and arrested 13 people.

Meanwhile in Alexandra, police spokesperson, Neria Malefetse, says no injuries or deaths were reported during the night in the township where suspected xenophobic attacks have seen at least two people killed since Sunday. Malefetse says five people were arrested in Alexandra last night for housebreaking and theft.

Meanwhile the deputy Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba, has warned that the xenophobic attacks in Gauteng and elsewhere could have repercussions for South Africans living abroad.

Leaders speak out against attacks
In other reaction from politicians, President Thabo Mbeki stressed that attacks on foreigners will not be tolerated. ANC President Jacob Zuma says he is deeply concerned and outraged by the manner in which foreigners are being treated.

Church leaders and politicians will focus today on the recent flaring up of xenophobia, especially in Alexandra. Anglican Archbishop, Thabo Makgoba and other church leaders will visit the township, north-east of Johannesburg, this morning. The National Assembly will also debate the issue of xenophobia in general.