South Africa arrests over xenophobic attacks
Durban, South Africa, 12 Apr - (ANA) - South African police have arrested 17 people and opened murder cases after attacks on foreign nationals in Durban. The violence comes in the wake of alleged comments by the Zulu king telling migrants to go home - although he says he was mistranslated. But Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba has called on traditional leaders to stop making remarks that "could result in a loss of life". At least 62 people died in xenophobic attacks that swept the country in 2008. Following the alleged comments by King Goodwill Zwelithini at the end of March, 250 people have been attacked, mostly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and foreign-owned shops have been looted in the port city of Durban. More than 1,000 mainly African migrants have fled their homes, some going to police stations and other are being housed in tents on a sports field. Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, like other traditional leaders, is widely respected. South African President Jacob Zuma's son, Edward, has come out in support of the Zulu king's alleged comments.Thousands of African migrants have fled their homes around Durban fearing attack. "We need to be aware that as a country we are sitting on a ticking time bomb," he said, adding that foreigners were "taking over the country". (ANA)

FA/ANA/12 April 2015---------