Xenophobia S/Africa calls for diplomatic support to end violence

South Africa on Friday, April 17, sought diplomatic support from countries across the continent to tackle the ongoing anti-immigrant violence in the country.

This was as a result of series of complaints by foreign nationals that the South African police are failing to protect them.

They said the crisis was stirring hostility to South Africans working abroad.

South African Foreign Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, told a reporter after the African diplomatic meeting in Pretoria, that there is urgent need to nip the crisis in the bud.

"We believe that working together, we can defeat this demon," she said.

Malawian Information Minister, Kondwani Nankhumwa, said on Friday that government has hired buses to repatriate 500 of its nationals from South Africa.

He urged South Africa to provide greater protection for immigrants, echoing demands from China and the African Union.

Kenya and some other African governments have also offered to evacuate any of their citizens who feel threatened.

Chadian Ambassador, Mahamoud Adam-Bachir, said the Pretoria meeting had helped to alleviate some safety concerns.

"It went better than expected, we were assured of the security of our nationals," he said.

The Foreign Ministry of China, a major trade partner of South Africa, said Chinese-run shops have been damaged in Johannesburg. The Chinese consulate said it has lodged a protest with the police and asked that they ensure the safety of Chinese people.