(20 May 08-RV) South African security ministers have been discussing using the army
to help stop a wave of attacks on immigrants, which has left at least 23 people dead
and scores injured. Violence targeting foreigners spread today to four new areas near
Johannesburg, while 13,000 have reportedly fled their homes. Mobs of South Africans
have been roaming townships,looking for foreigners, most many of whom have sought
refuge in police stations, churches and community halls. Editor of the Southern Cross
Catholic newspaper in South Africa Gunther Simmermacher says Xenaphobia is nothing
new to the country.