Xenophobic attacks rock South Africa

A WAVE of xenophobic attacks escalated in South Africa’s seething townships yesterday, with mobs beating foreigners and setting some ablaze in scenes reminiscent of apartheid era violence.

The unrest has killed at least 22 people since last week and increased political instability at a time South Africa is struggling with dire power shortages, inflation and growing disaffection over the president’s pro-business policies.

Police fired rubber bullets at rioters in communities around Johannesburg and in the central business district.