South Africa riots

A police officer fires rubber bullets at a rioter in Johannesburg.

South African authorities are trying to stem a wave of anti-foreigner violence that's left several people dead and scores injured since it erupted a week ago.

Rising xenophobia in South Africa -- renowned for its liberal immigration and refugee policies -- is alarming the governing African National Congress (ANC).

While senior government officials were holding crisis talks with community leaders in Alexandra township - scene of earlier unrest - youths rioted in another Johannesburg settlement.

Police fought to restore order after a mob looted shops and set up barricades.

Local radio is reporting that immigrants were singled out and attacked with guns and clubs, their homes plundered and set alight.

The violence is spreading to other townships.

Hundreds of terrified immigrants have sought refuge in churches and police stations.

High levels of poverty, crime and unemployment are fuelling resentment toward foreigners - especially Zimbabweans.

3 million Zimbabweans have fled to neighbouring South Africa in recent years to escape the political and economic turmoil at home.

Since the end of apartheid nearly 20 years ago, South Africa has become a magnet for millions of African immigrants escaping poverty and persecution.

But no longer - images like these are destroying the country's reputation as a safe haven.

Helen Long, Reuters

stem Verb[stemming, stemmed] to stop or hinder the spread of (something): to stem the flow of firearms
fought - Past tense and past participle of fight
mob - A large disorderly crowd or throng. See Synonyms at crowd

looted
1. Valuables pillaged in time of war; spoils.

2. Stolen goods.

single something or someone out pick, choose, select, separate, distinguish, fix on, set apart, winnow, put on one side, pick on or out
club - A stout heavy stick, usually thicker at one end, suitable for use as a weapon; a cudgel.
plunder - To rob of goods by force, especially in time of war; pillage: plunder a village.

2. To seize wrongfully or by force; steal: plundered the supplies.
alight - on fire
sought - Past tense and past participle of seek.
fled - Past tense and past participle of flee.
turmoil - disorder, agitation, or confusion: a period of political turmoil and uncertainty