S. African police continues to nab perpetrators of xenophobia violance

The police are working around the clock to apprehend the perpetrators of the recent xenophobia violence, the Presidency said on Monday.

President Jacob Zuma requests all who have information about the incidents in which the victims were killed to come forward so that those responsible are brought to book, presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

More than 300 suspects have been arrested for alleged involvement in acts of violence during the recent wave of xenophobia violence that hit parts of the country, according to police.

At least seven people were killed, including three South Africans and four foreign nationals.

Maharaj said the Presidency has received media enquiries about the names of foreign nationals who were tragically killed during the violence that broke out in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province in late March.

The government is still in the process of verifying the information and the names will be released as soon as there has been conclusive positive identification of the victims, Maharaj said.

Zuma has released the names of the three South Africans killed in the violence.

The South African government is in touch with the embassies of affected countries to ensure careful management of this difficult and painful process, said Maharaj.

He said Zuma once again extends condolences to all affected families on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa.

Speaking at celebrations in Pretoria earlier on Monday to mark 21 years of democracy, Zuma said South Africans strongly condemn the attacks on foreigners.

"They (the attacks) have no place in a democracy where people are free to express their unhappiness about any issue," he said.

"We also urge our communities to isolate criminal elements who perpetuate such horrendous crimes against fellow human beings. They should be reported to the police." Endi