Xenophobia: 307 arrested countrywide
Seven people have died in xenophobic-related violence which started in KZN and spread to Gauteng.
JOHANNESBURG - Authorities say at least 307 people have been arrested with regard to the recent xenophobic attacks in the country.
Just over two weeks ago xenophobic attacks flared up in KwaZulu-Natal.
The violence quickly spread to Gauteng province.
Seven people have died due to the violence, this excludes the death of Emmanuel Sithole, a Mozambican man who succumbed to his stab wounds after he was attacked in Alexandra at the weekend. WATCH: Foreign nationals fear more attacks might occur
Police are yet to establish if his death was related to xenophobia or if it was a robbery.
State Security Minister David Mahlobo says government has set up specialised courts for speedy prosecution of the perpetrators.
"Additional prosecutors and magistrates have been put into place. We have also indicated that even additional legal aid has been put into place because some of delays in some cases and also the fact that people have the right to legal representation in our Constitution."
COPS APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC
Gauteng police have appealed to the public to come forward with information on Sithole's killing. WATCH: Running battles continue
It is alleged that Sithole was selling cigarettes at the side of a road when he was confronted by a group of four men on Saturday morning.
Police say an argument ensued when the suspects took the goods without paying.
Police spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini says they're still not sure if the incident is linked to the recent xenophobic attacks in the city.
"There is an ongoing investigation to track down the suspect and we have to find out if the attack was aimed at foreign nationals."
Police are offering a reward of R100,000 for information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the killers. LISTEN: What are the effects of xenophobia on foreign nationals?
