S.Africa approves army involvement to stop attacks

JOHANNESBURG, May 21 (Reuters) - South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki on Wednesday approved the involvement of the armed forces to help stop violent attacks on African immigrants, the Presidency said in a statement.

At least 25 people have been killed in xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg squatter camps since May 11, with residents accusing foreigners of stealing jobs.

"President Thabo Mbeki has approved a request from the South African Police Service for the involvement of the South African National Defence Force in stopping on-going attacks on foreign nationals," a statement from the presidency said. (Reporting by Gordon Bell; Editing by Matthew Tostevin)