cryptogon.com

Hundreds of African migrants were evacuated overnight from a squatter camp near Cape Town, the hub of South Africa’s prized tourism industry. Somali-owned shops also were looted in Knysna, a resort town on the southwestern coast.

“We don’t know the exact number of shops looted and burnt, but it’s a lot,” said Billy Jones, senior superintendent with the Western Cape provincial police. He added that one Somali died overnight but it was unclear whether the death was linked to the attacks.

At least 42 people have been killed and more than 25,000 driven from their homes in 12 days of attacks by mobs that accuse African migrants of taking jobs and fuelling crime. More than 500 people have been arrested.

The unrest began in Johannesburg area townships but has spread to other provinces. Authorities warned more attacks were expected over the weekend and said they would seek additional assistance from the military if necessary.

Troops have joined police in operations in Johannesburg’s seething shantytowns. President Thabo Mbeki approved army intervention to quell unrest that has threatened to destabilise Africa’s largest economy.

The South African currency fell sharply earlier this week on the back of the violence. The rand was slightly firmer on Friday at 7.63 to the U.S. dollar.

The violence comes amid power shortages and growing disaffection over Mbeki’s pro-business policies. Soaring food and fuel prices helped push tensions between poor South Africans and immigrants to a breaking point. The attacks have also sent a chill through the business community.

Officials in the tourism industry, a cornerstone of the economy, are worried overseas visitors will avoid the country. A number of Western governments have issued travel warnings for South Africa, and tour companies report rising cancellations.