Public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson called on law enforcement agencies to act against those responsible for violence against migrants, warning that the attacks are tarnishing the country’s international reputation.

“We have duty and responsibility to protect the vulnerable, we have a duty and a responsibility to enforce our immigration laws,” Macpherson told reporters at a Foreign Correspondents’ Association of Southern Africa event at Bloomberg’s office in Johannesburg on Friday.

“But we also have a duty and responsibility to find those that are agitating for violence and hatred, and of course, international perception is important.”

South Africa’s cabinet is due to discuss the matter on Friday as a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration protesters for foreigners to leave approaches.

The tensions have prompted Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe to assist more than 3 000 of their citizens to return home.

The unrest reflects a broader rise in anti-immigrant sentiment, with foreigners increasingly blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. At 32.7%, South Africa has one of the highest jobless rates in the world.

The demonstrations have stoked fears of violence on a scale that erupted in South Africa in 2008, when 62 people died and more than 50 000 others were forced to flee their homes in a wave of xenophobic attacks. It has also sparked anger across the continent and calls for retaliation against South African businesses.

“We’ve seen some statements, fairly or unfairly against South Africa, but you know we have to deal with that, and we also have to protect the image of the country” Macpherson said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 7 announced plans to clamp down on illegal immigration. Over the past month at least 7 400 undocumented migrants have been arrested for contravening immigration laws.

“We have to allow the law enforcement authorities to drive law enforcement and not individual citizens of the country,” Neville Matjie, Brand South Africa chief executive officer, said at the same event.