Durban: The South African government has strongly condemned the attacks on foreign nationals by residents in Johannesburg area over the past five days.

At least three people have been killed and 200 others injured in attacks by residents of the Alexandria township in Johannesburg on nationals of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi for taking their jobs.

Most of the foreign nationals have fled their homes in the township and have sought refuge in the nearby police station.

The latest attacks follow similar incidents in other parts of Johannesburg and the Pretoria region.

The attacks have been described as xenophobia as locals detest foreign nationals taking their jobs.

"These attacks represent a dangerous tendency that is foreign to South African history and consciousness," said a government statement after President Thabo Mbeki held a meeting with his Cabinet in Cape Town.

"For many decades, South Africans in Alexandra and many parts of the country have lived side by side with foreign nationals with no acts of violence.

"South Africa is a signatory to the Geneva Protocol on Refugees and we will fulfill our obligations as outlined in this protocol. South African laws protect all foreign nationals, whether they are here legally or otherwise, and any violent behaviour towards foreign nationals must be rejected by all," the statement said.

Referring to support of neighbouring countries during days of apartheid, the government said it was too soon to forget the hospitality given to South Africans who were in exile in the neighbouring countries.

Source : PTI