Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in South Africa's major cities on Tuesday, calling for the removal of undocumented migrants as authorities deployed a heavy police presence to prevent unrest.
The nationwide protests followed a deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. While police said most demonstrations remained peaceful, isolated incidents of looting, vandalism and violence were reported.
Security was tightened in Johannesburg, where police and private security personnel were deployed across the city centre. The military was also sent to the Hillbrow district after reports of a teenager being shot and a vehicle set on fire. In Yeoville, protesters reportedly damaged properties in neighborhoods with large migrant communities, while in Germiston some demonstrators allegedly forced suspected foreign nationals from their homes and demanded police verify their immigration status.
Police said several people were arrested in connection with looting, assaulting officers and intimidation during the protests. Businesses in parts of Johannesburg and Durban remained closed as a precaution.
Anti-immigration campaigners submitted memorandums to government officials in Johannesburg and Durban, urging authorities to strengthen immigration enforcement. Organizers also vowed to continue weekly demonstrations until undocumented migrants are removed from the country.
Ahead of the protests, President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest leaders and urged demonstrators to remain peaceful while acknowledging the need for reforms to South Africa's immigration system. He stressed that legally residing foreign nationals are protected under the country's Constitution and warned that protests must not involve intimidation or violence.
South African authorities say around 50,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January, while approximately 25,000 have already been repatriated. Several neighboring countries, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ghana and Nigeria, have organized evacuation and repatriation efforts for their citizens as fears of xenophobic violence continue to grow.
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