South African security ministers have been discussing using the army to help stop a wave of attacks on foreigners, which has left at least 23 people dead.The deployment of troops, which has been demanded by human rights groups and the opposition, could not be ruled out, said a top ruling party official.
The violence has spread to four new areas near Johannesburg, while 13,000 have reportedly fled their homes.
President Thabo Mbeki has condemned the "shameful and criminal" violence.
Mobs of South Africans have been roaming townships, looking for foreigners, many of whom have sought refuge in police stations, churches and community halls.
There are believed to be between three and five million foreigners living in South Africa - most are Zimbabweans fleeing poverty and violence at home.
The attacks have spread to new areas in the Ekurhuleni region around Johannesburg, local official Zweli Dlamini told the BBC.
In the latest attacks, two people, believed to be miners from Mozambique, were beaten to death, reports South Africa's Independent Online website.
Read More
