A Zimbabwean national was stoned to death in Extension 75 outside Polokwane, while scores of others were forced to flee their homes in fresh xenophobic attacks on foreigners.

A police spokesperson for Limpopo Province, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi, said the incident occurred on Monday night. “We had an unfortunate incident in which a group of more than 300 locals went on the rampage, destroying furniture and other valuable goods at houses belonging to foreigners. A Zimbabwean national was apprehended and stoned to death."

He added that the locals accused the victim of being part of a group of Zimbabweans responsible for a series of crimes in the area, but "we suspect there is an element of xenophobia behind these attacks and we are still investigating,” he said.

Brig Mulaudzi could not release the name of the victim, saying they were still trying to locate his relatives. The body was taken to the Polokwane government mortuary. He said no arrests had been made, adding that they had since deployed police officers to the area.

“Foreigners are now concerned about their safety, and our officers are out in full force, patrolling in the area,” he said.

The residents of Extension 71, 75 and neighbouring sections are reportedly accusing Zimbabweans and other foreigners of crimes, which include housebreakings, murder, cable theft and rape and they now want all foreigners out of the area.