Pretoria – Police and members of the South African National Defence Force, accompanied by Johannesburg Metro officials, raided Kwa-Madala hostel in Alexandra at midnight.
This was the second of many planned police operations to clamp down on attacks against foreign nationals.
Law enforcement officials have increased their presence in hotspots in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents of violence against foreign nationals have taken place.
In the Alexandra raid, the army secured the hostel surroundings while police officials went in to search the premises.
On Tuesday night, police also raided Jeppestown hostels in the Johannesburg CBD and made some arrests.
Meanwhile, no further acts of violence against foreign nationals have been reported in KwaZulu-Natal and the situation continues to be stable, according to police.
“The status quo with regard to the deployment of police will be maintained, while the number of arrests and casualties remains unchanged since the weekend,” said Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni.
Ngobeni has also expressed her concern that common acts of criminality or protest marches were being reported on as unrest related to the attacks on foreigners.
“All cases reported to the SAPS [SA Police Service] are thoroughly investigated to determine if they are related to the recent wave of attacks on foreign nationals.
“It is irresponsible to attribute acts of general criminality to the unrest as it could cause undue panic and compound the current situation by fanning the flames of violence,” said Ngobeni.
UN notes SA's efforts to end attacks
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he has noted the efforts of South African government to address the attacks on foreign nationals.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, who died as a result of the attacks.
Ban also welcomed the public expressions of the many South Africans who have been calling for peaceful coexistence and harmony with foreign nationals.
He urged that all efforts be made to avert future attacks, including any incitement leading thereto and encouraged peaceful solutions. – SAnews.gov.za
