S. African police arrest 9 following xenophobic attacks

JOHANNESBURG - South African police have arrested nine suspects for murder and public violence following xenophobic attacks on foreigners, police said on Monday.

The police confirmed that a 28-year-old Zimbabwean was stabbed twice in the chest while at his tuck-shop in Klerksdorp on Sunday.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, said those arrested are aged between 22 and 52.

Motswenyane said, "The nine suspects... are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court on September 11, 2018. They will also be facing a charge of public violence."

The police stated that the attack on foreigners was sparked by a male taxi driver who was dead with stab wounds.

"It is alleged that an unconfirmed number of taxi drivers grouped themselves with intention to avenge their colleague's death who they alleged was killed by foreign nationals," said Motswenyane.

"According to information available at this stage, reports suggests that later during the day (Sunday), a 28-year-old Zimbabwean national was allegedly stabbed with a knife on his chest by taxi drivers while at his tuck-shop. He was taken to hospital, but certified dead on arrival," said Motswenyane.

The police said a group of suspected taxi drivers were seen setting alight hawkers stalls at the taxi rank. Public Order Police was mobilized and managed to normalize the situation.

The police condemned the attack on foreign nationals and encouraged refraining from taking the law into their own hands. They police also threatened to arrest anyone who commits the crime including damaging property.

About two weeks ago, foreign-owned shops were looted in Johannesburg over accusation that they sold expired goods. Many foreigners lost their stock. Four people were killed during the looting and 27 were arrested.