'It is wrong to brandish all non-nationals as criminals' - President Zuma

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has condemned an ongoing violence against foreigners.

The current happenings are against a background of near-record unemployment, as foreigners are being accused of taking jobs from citizens and getting involved in crime, a charge some have denied.

At least 20 stores in Pretoria owned by foreigners were looted this week.

Zuma has asked for restrain and order.

“Many citizens of other countries living in South Africa are law abiding and contribute to the economy of the country positively. It is wrong to brandish all non-nationals as drug dealers or human traffickers. The threats and counter-threats on social media must stop,” Zuma said in a statement.

Pres Zuma to champion fight against crime & calls for restraint in wake of tensions between locals and non-nationals https://t.co/dHorYI475y

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) February 24, 2017

In Nigeria, protesters on Thursday demanded that South African citizens and businesses leave the country, pulling down a giant billboard of South African telecommunications company MTN.

South African police fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of citizens who marched in the capital on Friday.