The department of justice and constitutional development has condemned the attacks on foreigners in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
"The department tenders its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and urges communities to co-operate with law-enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted," it said.
TimesLIVE earlier reported that a group of about 50 men and women, including five babies, fled their homes in Durban to seek shelter at a police station after being attacked, allegedly by protesters.
KwaZulu-Natal police said residents were protesting at the Burnwood informal settlement in Sydenham at 2am on Tuesday.
"They were forcing the foreign nationals out of their homes. No one was injured or assaulted. Police had to intervene and monitor the situation," said Lt-Col Thulani Zwane.
However, Satish Dhupelia, of the local community policing forum, told TimesLIVE that five people were assaulted. They were taken to hospital.
The department expressed concern over the attacks, which happened just after Human Rights Day on March 21.
"It is most unfortunate that these attacks happen during Human Rights month, where all people in our country are supposed to be celebrating and observing our hard-won human rights dispensation," added the department.
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