20100720
reuters

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's military joined police on Tuesday to patrol an impoverished Johannesburg township after assaults on foreign migrants injured at least 11 and increased concerns of a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks.

Police said the injured at the Kya Sands township included migrants from Zimbabwe and Mozambique as well as South Africans. At least 10 people have been arrested on suspicion of assault.

A series of attacks on foreign workers in 2008 killed 62 people and damaged investors' confidence. Another wave could wreck the positive image that Africa's biggest economy was able to portray when it hosted the soccer World Cup.

"We are keeping a close eye on the situation," a police official said.

The military have joined about 100 security personnel deployed in the township and about 50 police were on standby, Talk Radio 702 reported from the area. Police and military officials would not confirm the reports.

Tensions have long been growing between South Africans and millions of foreign migrants they accuse of taking jobs and homes. But open animosity appeared to be put on hold during the World Cup as South Africa showed its best face to the world.

Many migrants feared a rapid dissipation of feelings of African unity generated by the first World Cup held on the continent. Many have fled to homes in neighbouring states since the tournament ended earlier this month.

Running battles erupted late on Monday at Kya Sands after a robbery in the township provoked anger between local people and foreigners, the local Eye Witness News website said. Police took several hours to quell the unrest.

Eye Witness News said two men had deep cuts to their heads. One said he had been attacked with an axe. A woman was carried out on her husband's back, saying she had failed to outrun a mob and had been kicked in the chest.