At least 11 people were arrested in the aftermath of the attacks by Zimbabweans on their countrymen in the Thohoyandou area last week.

During the past week, it was reported that several Zimbabweans were meting out instant justice on fellow Zimbabweans who were identified as criminals in the Vhembe region. Some of those who were identified did not live to answer for their alleged sins.

Two were killed after they were hounded from their hideouts in Tswinga and brought to some bushes, where a crowd was waiting for them. Some were badly injured in random attacks around Thohoyandou and surrounding villages.

The police sprang into action, arresting many who were alleged to have taken part in the murders and assaults. After the incidents stopped, rumours started doing the rounds that as many as eight Zimbabweans had been killed during the witch hunt by the Zimbabweans. The police who are handling the cases were quick to discount the rumour.

"We have had no reports of so many people killed during the war between Zimbabwean nationals. Our reports show that one alleged criminal was killed next to the Thohoyandou Show Grounds, while his friend, who was seriously injured during the attack, died later in hospital. Those are the only two recorded deaths. If there are others, they were not reported to us because we have no records here," said Cons Avhafarei Tshiovhe of the Thohoyandou police.

She said 11 suspects had been arrested last week in connection with the incidents, but most were later released as they could not be linked to the incidents. "One of those arrested appeared in court last Thursday and again on Wednesday this week and is still in custody. Our investigations are still continuing and we still urge those with information to come forward and assist us in these cases," said Tshiovhe.