afrol News, 26 May - Ghanaian lawmakers have condemned the recent xenophobic attacks directed at some African nations in South Africa, describing them as rather "unfortunate and unbelievable."

Recounting on the past support accorded to South Africans during their struggles against apartheid, Ghanaian parliamentarians could not fathom that Africans would today become victims of "misguided attacks" in the Southern African country.

The deputies were contributing to a statement on the floor, ahead of this year's African Union Day celebrations on 25 May. They urged South African authorities to protect the lives of other nations and put the violent attacks under control.

South Africa’s major cities were marred by violence after rioting South Africans assailed foreigners, accusing them of making life extremely unbearable for them.

The troubles flared with a wave of attacks on foreigners in the township of Alexandra, within sight of some of Johannesburg’s most expensive suburbs.

The mayhem quickly spread to seven of South Africa’s nine provinces. Police reported on Sunday that 50 people were now believed to have been killed and more than 25,000 displaced since the chaos began.

Disturbed by the attacks on some businesses belonging to Ghanaians in South Africa, President President John Kufuor on Saturday issued a statement, directing his country's High Commission in South to give the necessary assistance and to arrange safe passage for Ghanaians who desire to return home.

About 70 Ghanaians are among thousands of people currently seeking refuge with South African security agencies, Ghana's High Commission in South Africa reported.

Xenophobic attacks on Africans have been condemned both home and abroad, with President Thabo Mbeki describing it as "a shameful act that blemishes" the country's hard-earned image.

Hundreds of people have been arrested in connection with the crimes. And in one instance, soldiers shot dead a man for attempting to fire shots after he had been confronted for abusing a woman.

By S. Makalo

© afrol News

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