Thousands of people marched through Mozambique's capital Maputo on Saturday to urge that their government demand neighbouring South Africa pay compensation to Mozambican victims of the recent spate of xenophobic attacks.

Thousands of people marched through Mozambique's capital Maputo on Saturday to urge that their government demand neighbouring South Africa pay compensation to Mozambican victims of the recent spate of xenophobic attacks.

At least 62 people were killed and hundreds injured in the anti-immigrant violence that swept through poor communities across South Africa last month.

At least 23 Mozambicans were among the victims, most of whom were Africans.

Human rights activist Alice Mabota, who was among the around 1000 demonstrators, said: "Mozambique's government must activate mechanisms with the South African authorities in order to have our compatriots rapidly compensated and the authors of the heinous acts brought to justice."

Carrying banners with slogans such as "xenophobia is selfishness" and "down with intolerance and hatred" - the demonstrators assembled in Maputo's Independence Square. - Sapa-dpa