Army deployed to streets to tackle attacks

Following the spate of incessant xenophobic attacks in the last few days in South Africa, the army has been deployed to hot spot attack areas, to end the attacks on foreigners.

According to Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, soldiers would be deployed to Alexandra township, north of the main city Johannesburg.

The South African Ministry of Defence said they would be deployed from 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) in Alexandra township.

This will be the first troop deployment since the violence broke out early this month, even as Mapisa-Nqakula has said that troops will not take over the responsibilities of the police but would assist in maintaining order.

Reports say tension has been high in the township since the killing of Mozambican Emmanuel Sithole at the weekend, while the Defense Minister add that many people would "appreciate the decision to bring in the defence force".

At least 7 people have been killed in these xenophobic attacks, while Nigerians have reportedly lost property worth about N21 million.