South African police have arrested 9,098 people suspected of committing a variety of crimes in a nationwide operation following the recent wave of xenophobic violence.

Foreign nationals account for a portion of those arrested during Operation Fiela (meaning "sweep" in Sesotho language), according to figures provided by Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko at a session in parliament.

Nhleko did not reveal the whereabouts of the detainees and details of any judicial processes as a result.

Police, along with the South African National Defence Force, launched Operation Fiela in April following a new spate of xenophobic violence, in which 7 people were killed and thousands of foreigners displaced.

The operation has continued up till today. The opposition has pressed for answers regarding the whereabouts of those arrested.

This raises questions regarding repatriation and deportation, said the opposition in a parliament session.