The violent attacks on foreigners carried out in Alexandra recently were not just "spontaneous acts of xenophobic hatred", Gauteng Safety and Security MEC Firoz Cachalia said on Tuesday.

Cachalia told a media briefing in Johannesburg that the situation was more complicated and was not just a manifestation of xenophobic feelings.

He described the perpetrators as criminals and their actions ascriminal.

"Let's be very clear that these were criminal acts carried out in violation of our country's laws, its constitution and its commitment to human rights, " he said.

"Let's be clear, all the people in our country regardless of their status [legal or illegal] are entitled to protection under the country's laws and its constitution."

Cachalia said the situation was more complicated and there was a degree of misinformation being spread about the incident.

One of the people killed was a South African and a South African family had also been displaced in the attacks on Sunday and Monday.

There were also engagements taking place between the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party that cautioned against drawing conclusions and making generalisations about the ethnic or political affiliations of the perpetrators of the acts.

"We must call a spade a spade... these are criminal acts."

Cachalia had met with various NGOs, with the SA Council of Churches, the SA Human Rights Commission and the Gender Commission to discuss how to deal with the situation.

Cachalia said steps were being taken to ensure that those displaced were being temporarily accommodated.

The City of Johannesburg had committed itself to provide shelter for 50 displaced people and the Alexandra police station would also be assisting those without shelter on Tuesday evening.

During the briefing, police spokesman Director Govindsamy
Mariemuthoo said 45 arrests had been made so far on charges including theft, robbery, rape and murder.

Cachalia added that he hoped those arrested would be tried and suitably punished.

The MEC was expected to attend a community meeting near the police station later on Tuesday evening. Further community meetings were on the cards for Thursday.

The nine meetings planned were aimed at addressing issues of xenophobia.

Meanwhile, the Alexandra police station remained littered with the belongings of those who were displaced during the attacks.

Many foreigners remained outside the police station looking for aid, shelter and safety.