SACC speaks out against xenophobic attacks

The situation has calmed down in Alex, but xenophobic attacks have spread to Diepsloot

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) says government should first acknowledge that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe and then deal with xenophobia.

Andre Bartlett from the SACC says South Africa is handling the situation badly. Police have beefed up security in Johannesburg's Alexandra township ahead of the weekend. This follows xenophobic attacks throughout the week. Two people have died and scores others have been arrested for public violence.

The situation has calmed down in Alex, but xenophobic attacks have spread to nearby Diepsloot, where police have had to use rubber bullets to disperse rioters. Police spokesperson Neria Malefetse says police will remain on standby.

Zimbabweans, who have sought refuge at the Alexandra police station, northeast of Johannesburg, have pleaded with South Africans to be tolerant with them in view of the current situation in their country.

Nonhlanhla Sithole from Zimbabwe says she is pleading with South Africans to be tolerant of foreigners, especially Zimbabweans. She says at this stage they can't go back to their country due to the current political and economic crisis.