Travel alert for South Africa

Violence in the townships of Johannesburg has prompted the US state department to issue a travel alert for South Africa.

The department warns: "An undetermined number of persons have been killed in these incidents and many more, including both targeted victims and bystanders, have been injured.

"While there have been no reports of American or non-African visitors being targeted, these incidents of mob violence have developed quickly and proven difficult for local authorities to control."

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is not yet advising travellers to stay away from South Africa but notes the violent attacks on foreign immigrants in Gauteng province during May 2008.

"There is no indication that these attacks have been directed against foreign tourists and business visitors but you are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid townships in Gauteng province until further notice," the FCO travel advisory states.