Soldiers went into South African townships today to help police end attacks on African immigrants that have killed at least 42 people.
Soldiers backed police in early morning raids in Johannesburg and air force helicopters patrolled Alexandra township after President Thabo Mbeki approved army intervention to quell unrest that has threatened to destabilise Africa's largest economy.
Immigrants stand next to their tents in a informal refugee camp outside a police station in Johannesburg
At least 15,000 people have been forced from their homes in 11 days of attacks by mobs that accuse immigrants of taking jobs and fuelling crime. The biggest group of immigrants come from Zimbabwe. An estimated three million have fled economic collapse at home.
Mozambique said over 10,000 of its people had fled back to the country.
Police, supported by soldiers, conducted early morning raids on three dormitory hostels near Johannesburg, the first army involvement to stop the attacks. Firearms and ammunition were seized and 28 men were arrested.
The attacks have increased political instability at a time of power shortages and disaffection over Mr Mbeki's pro-business policies. Soaring food and fuel prices helped push tensions to breaking point.
The deputy leader of the ruling African National Congress, Kgalema Motlanthe, criticised the police delay in responding to the violence which erupted in Alexandra township on May 11th and spread rapidly.
"The delay encouraged people in similar environments to wage similar attacks against people who came from our sister countries on the continent," Mr Motlanthe said at an international media industry conference in Johannesburg. "We are confronted by one of the ugliest incidents in the post-apartheid era".
The South African currency fell sharply earlier this week on the back of the violence. The rand was firmer today at 7.6695 to the US dollar.
South Africa has a population of about 50 million and is home to an estimated five million immigrants.
Its reputation as a haven for immigrants and asylum seekers is in tatters, and there are growing fears that the crisis could dent the country's lucrative tourism industry and cripple its hosting of the 2010 soccer World Cup.