Two killed in South Africa in latest xenophobic unrest
The deaths of two suspected foreigners amid reports of stick-wielding gangs brings the number of people killed last week to 12.
Monday 9 September 2019 16:23, UK
Two people have died in South Africa in the latest xenophobic violence to hit the country.
Police said the victims who died on Sunday night were thought to be foreigners.
It brings to 12 the number who have died since a wave of attacks on foreign-owned shops and stalls started last week.
At least 640 people have been arrested since the violence erupted.
The worst of the unrest has been taking place in Gauteng, the country's most highly-populated province, which encompasses the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Nigerians, Ethiopians, Congolese and Zimbabweans are among those who have been attacked, according to local media.
South African news channel News 24 said a group of men - some carrying sticks and branches - marched through the business district in Johannesburg late on Sunday after interrupting a meeting at which former Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi was speaking.
There were reports of cars set alight and businesses being torched.
On Monday, police minister Bheki Cele met business leaders, some of whom had operations targeted last week.
The executives told him that violence in South Africa was hurting their operations in other parts of the continent.
Rob Shuter, the chief executive of one affected firm, MTN, said: "The implications of the situation in South Africa are really profound. They have affected us in other countries in which we operate."
Retaliatory demonstrations in Nigeria forced South Africa's consular offices in Lagos to close.
South Africa's foreign affairs minister Naledi Pandor is scheduled to meet African ambassadors in Pretoria on Monday to discuss the situation.
Nigerian president Mahummadu Buhari is due to visit South Africa on a state visit in October, prompting speculation the attacks will be on the agenda.