Xenophobic looters leave Port Elizabeth shops in flames

Several shops belonging to Somali nationals in KwaZakhele and New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, were looted and burnt at the weekend, Eastern Cape police said.

Brigadier Marinda Mills said at least ten shops were attacked.

"Two shops at Ntintili Street were looted and burnt and the vehicle which was parked outside the shop was set alight," said Mills.

Several other shops were targeted on Sunday.

Police had since moved some foreign nationals out of the area.

The attacks followed the arrest of a Somali man after he allegedly shot and killed a man outside a shop on Saturday evening.

"According to a witness there was an argument between the suspect and the victim. The [police] arrested the suspect and the firearm used... was recovered," said Mills.

The man was expected to appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, police had been deployed to patrol the area.