...

Attacks on foreigners in South Africa has claimed 62 lives: police

Other News Materials 31 May 2008 17:12 (UTC +04:00)

Police in South Africa on Saturday said the number people killed in xenophobic attacks that have swept through the country has risen to 62.

"This has raised the earlier toll of 56 dead. A total of 670 have been injured," police spokeswoman Sally de Beer said, adding some of those injured had died in hospital, reported dpa.

The Johannesburg-based Saturday Star newspaper reported that a leaked police report showed that at least five people were killed in further attacks on foreigners - mostly African migrants - this week.

The newspaper said police information contradicted information from the government. The police report on developments from Monday to Friday also showed that 41 foreigners were injured and 107 properties had either been looted, attacked or burnt in 86 xenophobic incidents across the country, according to the newspaper.

The attacks by locals on migrants from places such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistani, Indian and Chinese began in Johannesburg's impoverished Alexandra township some three weeks ago.

Hundreds were injured in attacks and rapes and tens of thousands, fearing for their lives, fled to neighbouring countries or emergency shelters.

Latest

Latest