Peace-loving South Africans need to reject groups trying to blame immigrants for crime and unemployment, Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba said on Friday.

“There is no place for xenophobia in Johannesburg and we are working tirelessly to prevent the outbreak of any violence,” he said.

He expressed concern about the flare-up of xenophobic violence in Tshwane on Friday. People taking part in an anti-immigrant march clashed with foreign nationals in Atteridgeville. Police fired rubber bullets to disperse protesters.

In December last year, the Democratic Alliance (DA) mayor said illegal immigrants in the country were criminals.

“They are holding our country to ransom and I am going to be the last South African to allow it,” he said.

On Friday, he said Johannesburg metro police were working with the SAPS to ensure public order.

“There are many people who, out of desperation due to political, social and economic instability in their countries, seek a better life in Johannesburg, and indeed, South Africa as a whole,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Save South Africa campaign blamed Mashaba for the outbreak of xenophobic violence.

“His irresponsible statement sparked these latest attacks,” the organisation said in a statement.

“Mashaba must stop this incendiary language, before more damage is done and lives are lost.”

On February 11, residents of Rosettenville, Johannesburg, set fire to at least 10 homes they claimed were being used as brothels and drug dens. They blamed Nigerians for running them and for crime in the suburb.