By IRNA,
Pretoria : A total of 22 people have now been killed in a wave of anti-immigrant violence around Johannesburg, South African police say.
Hundreds of foreigners have taken refuge in police stations and churches as the violence escalated over the past week.
“At the moment some of the people have been taken to the city hall as a place of safety, but some of them are still running around and do not know where to go,” police spokesman told the South African TV.
Police have arrested scores of people in connection with violence, and in some cases have fired rubber bullets at gangs of youths armed with sticks, rocks and knives.
President Thabo Mbeki and leader of the ruling African National Congress Jacob Zuma have both strongly condemned the attacks.
IRNA regional bureau chief said that callers to radio stations have suggested that authorities impose curfews and bring in the army to restore order in some areas.