Economics
Police Arrest 41 People as Looting Spree Erupts in Johannesburg
- Human Rights Watch says foreigners are the target of attacks
- South Africa has had previous episodes of xenophobic violence
People take items from a store during a riot in Johannesburg on Sept. 2.
Photographer: Guillem Sartorio/AFP via Getty Images
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Police arrested at least 41 people and fought running battles with looters across Johannesburg after a series of attacks that a human-rights group said targeted foreigners.
Images broadcast on South Africa’s public broadcaster showed people breaking into stores and carrying away foodstuffs, alcohol and clothing. In the eastern suburb of Malvern, at least three people died in a fire before looting started, according to the police.