supplied
There's a strong police presence in Hankey following an impasse between locals and foreign nationals from Lesotho, who had been accused of at least two murders in the area.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said tensions on Wednesday night escalated to such an extent that Lesotho nationals had to be escorted out of the area by police.
They were taken to a neighbouring area for their own safety.
The violence in Hankey broke out on Monday when residents of Centerton blockaded the roads between the town and neighbouring Patensie and reportedly attacked foreign seasonal workers.
Irate community members blamed Lesotho nationals for the murder of at least two people on Sunday.
Colonel Naidu confirmed that two murder investigations were underway.
She said tensions continued unabated on Wednesday night with reports of the shacks of foreign nationals set alight.
She said some of the local people who reside in the same area, also fled.
The community also pelted the police vehicles with stones.
Colonel Naidu said the road between Hankey and Patensie was partially opened on Thursday morning.
Algoa FM News understands the police commissioner addressed dozens of disgruntled community members on their grievances on Thursday morning.
