Government abuses are suggestive of state xenophobia

Under cover of darkness, law enforcement agencies have rounded up hundreds of immigrants, mainly Africans, without any consideration for their human rights and dignity. The police kicked down doors and arrested mothers and children in shelters across Johannesburg.In a joint operation by the police, army and Home Affairs officials, 500 foreigners at the Central Methodist Church, in the Johannesburg CBD, were herded out and taken to a nearby police station.