SA deploys troops

South African troops have been deployed for the first time in an effort to stop attacks on foreigners that have left 42 dead and forced thousands to flee.



BBC reports said soldiers backed police in early morning raids at three hostels in Johannesburg, arresting 28 people and seizing drugs, arms and ammunition.



This is the first time that soldiers have been used to stamp out unrest in South Africa since the 1994 end of apartheid.



At least 15,000 people have reportedly sought shelter from the attacks.



The violence began on May 11 in a township north of Johannesburg, before spreading to the city and the surrounding region.