South African President Mbeki ordered military troops to step in and quell a surge of anti-immigrant violence that has left 42 dead and driven tens of thousands from their homes.

Violence against foreigners - 21 / 05 / 2008 19:44

It would be the first time troops have been sent into Johannesburg's townships since the end of apartheid in 1994 on Wednesday.

Police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo said 42 people had died and 16,000 had been displaced following about 10 days of unrest, most of it flaring in squatter camps that are home to impoverished South Africans and immigrants from neighboring countries.

About 400 arrests have been made, he said.

Southe Afrcia's President Thabo Mbeki approved a police request to have the South African National Defense Force help crack down on the ongoing attacks on foreign nationals in and around Johannesburg, a statement from his office said.

Mariemuthoo said details of how troops would be deployed still were being finalized.

Zimbabweans, Malawians, Mozambicans and others from neighboring countries have been the main targets of the attacks. They came to South Africa, the region's economic hub, looking for work and ended up sharing squatter camps with poor — and increasingly frustrated — South Africans.

Although South Africa is more prosperous than its neighbors, it suffers high unemployment and widespread housing problems, especially among the black majority.

Also Wednesday, there were reports of violence spreading to the port city of Durban, where police said a mob armed with sticks and bottles descended overnight on a tavern believed to be owned by a foreigner.

AP