Five die as violence spreads

2008-05-18 13:19

Johannesburg - Five people were killed and 50 more were injured on Sunday when xenophobic attacks spread to Cleveland, Johannesburg police said.

Spokesperson Captain Cheryl Engelbrecht said the violence started at about 01:00.

Foreigners, mainly Zimbabweans, were attacked at the Cleveland informal settlement.

"Two people were burnt and three people were beaten to death.

"Fifty others were taken to various hospitals for gunshot and stab wounds.

"About three hundred people are seeking refuge at the Cleveland police station and more are coming in," she said.

According to police, several shops were vandalised and goods were stolen.

"The situation is very tense at the moment and the police are monitoring the area," said Engelbrecht.

The violent attacks on foreigners started in Alexandra and by Saturday spread from Alexandra to Diepsloot, Thokoza and Tembisa.

Around 300 foreigners had flocked to the Thokoza community hall on Saturday, seeking safety after attacks broke out in the East Rand township.

Seven people were arrested for public violence on Saturday in Thokoza, according to police spokesman Captain Mega Ndobe.

Ndobe said two shacks had been burnt down and a number of people had been injured. At least fifty foreigners had sought refuge at the Thokoza Police Station.

In Tembisa, one man was shot and killed and two others were injured, also in xenophobic attacks.

Spokesperson Captain Manyadza Ralidhivha said scores of Tembisa residents went on a rampage, destroying property that belonged to foreign nationals on Saturday.

Ralidhivha said at least 15 shacks had been burnt down in Kanana, Tembisa.

- SAPA