Police clash with residents

2008-05-16 10:08

Johannesburg - Thirteen people were arrested in Diepsloot and five were arrested in Alexandra on Thursday night, as police maintained a heavy presence in both townships following suspected xenophobic attacks this week.

The arrests in Diepsloot came after residents clashed with metro police.

"There was a confrontation between residents and metro police, they were throwing stones at the police and using live ammunition against the police," said Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.

The police dispersed the crowd with rubber bullets.

"Thirteen people were arrested. Fortunately, there were no injuries that I am aware of," he added.

The situation was calmer on Friday morning amid a heavy police presence in the township near Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg.

At least four other people were arrested on Thursday during the day when Diepsloot was hit by pockets of violence. The police could not confirm reports that it was related to suspected xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg's Alexandra township.

Alex arrests

Meanwhile, police arrested five people in sporadic incidents of violence in Alexandra on Thursday evening, Johannesburg police said on Friday.

Constable Neria Malefetse said 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 said the five people were arrested for housebreaking and theft in Extension 7.

"The police will continue to monitor the situation throughout the weekend until we are certain that the violence has subsided," she said.

- SAPA