Xenophobia-related violence erupts in S. African province

CAPE TOWN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- A xenophobia-related protest turned violent on Monday after protesters looted from burning delivery trucks in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Protesters barricaded the route heading towards the Mooi River toll plaza, blocking the N3 highway, one of the busiest routes in the country. Traffic has come to a standstill, stranding hundreds of holidaymakers returning from the Easter holiday.

Residents took to the streets in protest against local truck companies hiring foreigners as truck drivers. They complain that foreigners are taking jobs away from them.

TV footage showed protesters burning down several delivery trucks and looting goods from them. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has dispatched police reinforcements to quell the violence. Cele himself went to the spot to intervene.

Cele's spokesperson Nonkululeko Phokane said the minister and senior management had decided to attend to the situation after reports of looting and "chaos and disorder on the national road."

Police said 11 people have been arrested for suspected involvement in acts of violence.

Xenophobia-related violence is not rare in South Africa where complaints about foreigners taking up jobs from locals often lead to violent protests.

The latest incident was in early 2017 when local residents burned shops and businesses belonging to non-South Africans in Johannesburg. Enditem