Sanco not behind xenophobia in Alexandra

The SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in Gauteng on Friday dismissed a report suggesting that it was behind the wave of xenophobic violence in Alexandra. Spokesperson Lucas Qakaza said a report had been compiled and submitted to the municipality indicating that Sanco was instigating violence.

"Sanco rejects such insinuations - it is clear that whilst the situation in Alexandra is much more complex than many of us would think, Sanco is not involved now and was not involved in the beginning," he said.

Foreign nationals mainly from Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe were attacked on Sunday in Alexandra after they were accused of crime and taking jobs from local people.

Qakaza urged the police to arrest all criminals hiding behind xenophobia. "They belong behind bars and sooner they go, the better." - Sapa