As anti-immigrant violence spreads in South Africa Malawi says it will evacuate hundreds of its citizens felt to be threatened by xenophobic attacks. A Malawi official said the first of a group of 850 would return at the weekend.

The unrest that began in Johannesburg has erupted in Capetown, the country's second biggest city and other areas. Zimbabweans and Somalis have also been among those targeted.

At least 42 people have been killed and more than 25,000 driven from their homes in the past two weeks. Locals accuse them of taking jobs and fuelling crime. More than 500 people have been arrested.

Extra police have been sent to shantytowns and the army is on standby but the unrest continues.

President Thabo Mbeki has appealed for an end to the attacks and South Africa's biggest
mineworkers' union says it will act against xenophobia among its membership.