The Democratic Alliance has condemned the xenophobic violence that occurred in the Eastern Cape this week.

"The barbaric incident that occurred in the vicinity of Queenstown and the recent torching of more than 20 shops in Jeffreys Bay, illustrate the dangers that xenophobia is posing to our province," said DA spokesperson Bobby Stevenson on Wednesday.

"This unacceptable violence must not be tolerated in our province and urgent action needs to be taken to ensure that it is stamped out," he said.

About 200 people went on the rampage, looting shops owned by Somalis in Jeffreys Bay.

The police fired warning shots at the looters who threw stones at the police.

One person was shot and admitted to hospital.

Sapa