Police in South Africa have been overwhelmed by looters in the latest round
of xenophobic attacks by residents of Jappestown, an area close to commercial
hub, Johannesburg.
Rampant looting of shops and torching of buildings had been registered in
the riots and looters have targeted businesses of foreigners.
Elsewhere rioters have blocked roads and burnt tyres obstructing movement
of persons and vehicles. The police has been caught in running battles with them
across parts of Johannesburg.
A police statement confirmed the situation and said forty-one people have
been arrested following the incidents. Police also fired rubber bullets at
looters in another Johannesburg suburb, Turffontein.
According to police, the chaotic clashes followed the deaths of three
people in a fire in an “old building”.
Police spokesman Capt Mavela Masondo is quoted as saying they were still
investigating with emergency services when people that were around started
taking advantage of the situation and looted shops.
The Nigerian and Zambian governments have since issued statements
condemning the incidents and cautioning their citizens.
Nigeria’s foreign minister is on record as saying South Africa had failed
to protect Nigerian businesses whiles Zambia has instructed bus companies and
drivers to step down all travel to South Africa till further notice.
