President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the incidents of violence that occurred in Johannesburg central business district on Sunday.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ramaphosa also expressed his condolences to the families of the two people who lost their lives as a result.
He called on law enforcement agencies to remain firm and vigilant in bringing the perpetrators to book.
Government will not allow sporadic lawlessness and violence to disrupt the safety and livelihoods of millions of South Africans and the majority of foreign nationals in our country who are law-abiding and have the right to conduct their lives and businesses in peace.
President Cyril Ramaphosa
The president commended law enforcement agencies for apprehending 16 alleged perpetrators and quelling the unrest.
Crowd walks out on Prince Buthelezi
The unrest began soon after a crowd walked out of a gathering addressed by Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Sunday.
Buthelezi was calling for an end to xenophobia, but part of the audience apparently did not agree with him.
About 1,200 people left the gathering and began the unrest in Jeppestown and surrounding areas.
Videos and images shared on social media showed them destroying properties such as vehicles and business premises.