Police keep close watch in Jeppestown

Police were deployed to areas near the Denver hostel, Clarence Street and Commissioner Street after a group of locals - believed to be residents of the hostel - converged and allegedly targeted foreign nationals in the area.

Last week, residents of Mamelodi led a march in the Pretoria CBD to protest against immigrants in South Africa.

Police intervened following a stand-off between locals and a group of foreign nationals. Tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades were used to disperse the crowd. 

Politicians and social activists have spoken against the recent xenophobic violence - calling law enforcement officials to prevent violent outbreaks and loss of life.

Meanwhile, former president, Thabo Mbeki - inaugurated as the chancellor of the University of South Africa - has described last week's anti-immigrant march in Tshwane as criminal. 

Gauteng Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane has also strongly condemned the violence.