ALEXANDRA - Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said on Tuesday the army will be deployed in Alexandra and parts of KZN to help police quell the tide of attacks on foreign nationals.

Speaking at a media briefing, she said the brutal killing of Emmanuel Sithole was an indication that the state had to step in and claim authority.

She said the police had requested assistance of the military after a Zimbabwean couple was attacked on Monday night.

“We are not coming to take over the work of the police, but we are going in to support the police," said Mapisa-Nqakula.

Mapisa- Nqakula said she was hurt when she saw the pictures of Sithole in the newspaper, adding that the pictures might have been necessary for the country to see the extent of the ongoing violence that is soiling the country’s image.

“There are criminals who are taking advantage of challenges raised by South Africans.

Mapisa-Nqakula was at pains to say that the decision was not taken lightly - saying the democratic government had decided not to deploy the army at every provocation.

“The army will be deployed because there is a crisis,” she said.

Mapisa-Nqakula was joined by State Security Minister David Mahlobo and Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba.

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Mapisa-Nqakula: defence force deployment is different from under Apartheid. SA was a military state, is not any more. @eNCAnews Xenophobia — Dianne Hawker (@diannehawker) April 21, 2015

Mapisa-Nqakula says she can&39;t give detail in how many soldiers will be deployed. Says it is operational info. @eNCAnews Xenophobia — Dianne Hawker (@diannehawker) April 21, 2015

Mapisa-Nqakula calls on media to help communicate positive messages. @eNCAnews xenophobia — Dianne Hawker (@diannehawker) April 21, 2015

Mapisa-Nqakula says South Africans must not the gullible. Mustn&39;t listen to those who want to destabilise the country. @eNCAnews Xenophobia — Dianne Hawker (@diannehawker) April 21, 2015

BREAKING: Home Affairs Minister says "906" foreigners have opted for "voluntary repatriation". Xenophobia pic.twitter.com/MZJO7IYOBi — Xoli Mngambi (@XoliMngambi) April 21, 2015