( CNN ) More than 300 suspects have been arrested in South Africa in connection with deadly attacks on foreigners that have forced thousands to flee , the government said Sunday . `` We once again unequivocally condemn the maiming and killing of our brothers and sisters from other parts of the continent , '' the government said . `` No amount of frustration or anger can justify these attacks and looting of shops . '' Thousands sought refuge in temporary shelters after mobs with machetes attacked immigrants in Durban . The attacks in Durban killed two immigrants and three South Africans , including a 14-year-old boy , authorities said . Heavily armed police have scrambled to stop clashes after local residents accused immigrants from other African nations of taking their jobs . The government praised law enforcement agencies for stopping further bloodshed in Durban . `` We believe that their commitment to duty has prevented injuries and even deaths that could have happened if they security forces had not acted , '' it said . The xenophobic sentiment is certainly not representative of all South Africans . `` There has been an outpouring of support from ordinary South Africans who are disgusted with the attacks not only because they are foreign , or African , but because they are fellow human beings , '' said Gift of the Givers charity , which is helping those seeking refuge . The charity said last week that about 8,500 people had fled to refugee centers or police stations because of the violence . South Africa 's government implored citizens to remember the country 's history of overcoming challenges with the support of African neighbors . `` During the Apartheid many South Africans fled persecution and death at the hands of the Apartheid government , '' it said in its statement . `` Africa opened its doors and became a home away from home for many South Africans . '' President Jacob Zuma has canceled a trip to Indonesia and visited displaced foreign nationals in Chatsworth to express his support , the government said . The Gift of the Givers charity assured immigrants that it has a facility in Johannesburg to help those who might need shelter there . `` We have tents and all essential supplies on standby but pray that sanity prevails and this does not become necessary , '' it said . In the past , Johannesburg has been the epicenter of anti-immigrant tensions . In 2008 , scores were killed in attacks in the poorest areas of Johannesburg . Most of the victims were Zimbabweans who had fled repression and dire economic circumstances . In that attack , police arrested more than 200 people for various crimes including rape , murder , robbery and theft . CNN 's Larry Register contributed to this report .
South Africa is battling xenophobic violence after some said foreigners are taking jobs away . Score: 6