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S. African police clash with anti-foreigner protesters

Xinhua, April 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

South African police on Thursday clashed with anti-foreigner protesters in Johannesburg as xenophobia violence spread.

A crowd of protesters threw stones and rocks at police who in turn fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd in Benoni, Johannesburg.

Xenophobia violence erupted in Benoni early Thursday morning, spreading from Johannesburg CBD where fierce clashes between locals and foreigners took place on Wednesday.

Locals have warned foreigners that they leave the areas or face trouble.

In Benoni, Johannesburg CBD and some other areas, all shops were closed on Thursday.

In the latest report on the violence, National Police Commissioner Rial Phiyega said there was a flare-up of violent attacks and looting in Jeppestown, Johannesburg overnight.

Six suspects have been arrested for public violence and housebreaking. The suspects allegedly broke into foreigners' shops and two people were injured in the process, Phiyega said.

The situation remained tense on Thursday near Jeppe Hostel where the suspects were arrested, she said.

A text message from Actonville township councillor Haseenabanu Ismail urged drivers to avoid driving in or around hostel & informal (squatter) settlements in Actonville where the situation "is very volatile now". Endi