NEWS:
The government of South Africa says it has a plan to prevent any new outbreak of violence against foreigners. The announcement follows widespread fears in some communities of attacks, similar to those two years ago, in which dozens of people were killed and thousands displaced.
A task force of senior officials from a half-dozen South African ministries unveiled a plan to deal with any threats against foreigners.
The plan was drawn up amid rumors that foreigners, primarily from other African countries, would be targeted after the football World Cup ends on Sunday.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, said the government was aware of the reports but to date they had not been substantiated.
"We are taking these rumors seriously because we do not want them to end up being a self-fulfilling prophecy," said Gigaba.
There have been reports in the South African media that some foreigners were leaving the country after being threatened.
Gigaba acknowledged there had been an increase in traffic across the country's borders but said this was due to the football tournament and not fears of xenophobic (anti-foreigner) attacks.
Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa said security forces were on high alert to ensure that any threats or manifestations of violence were addressed.
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