By Ebi Kesiena
Reports of looting and vandalism overshadowed anti-migrant protests across South Africa on Tuesday as thousands of demonstrators marched in major cities demanding the removal of undocumented migrants from the country.
The demonstrations coincided with the 30 June deadline issued by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreign nationals, particularly from other African countries, to leave South Africa. The campaign has already triggered fear among migrant communities, with many reportedly fleeing intimidation and violence.
While authorities described the marches as largely peaceful, isolated incidents of unrest were recorded in Johannesburg and Durban, prompting a heavy security deployment by police and private security personnel.
In Johannesburg’s Yeoville area, protesters allegedly hurled bricks and damaged residential properties. Police also arrested five suspects for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop in Soweto.
In KwaZulu-Natal, 10 more people were arrested over alleged looting, while others were detained for assaulting a police officer and intimidating a foreign national during the protests.
Businesses in central Johannesburg and Durban shut their doors as a precaution, while a police helicopter monitored activities in Durban to prevent further violence.
South African police said about 25,000 undocumented migrants, most from neighbouring African countries, have been repatriated as authorities continue efforts to enforce immigration laws.
Ahead of the demonstrations, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with protest leaders on Monday in a bid to ease tensions. He appealed for peaceful demonstrations while acknowledging public concerns over illegal immigration and the need for reforms to the country’s immigration system.
However, some communities in Soweto participating in the “March and March” campaign vowed to sustain the protests beyond the June 30 deadline, insisting they would continue until the government speeds up the deportation and repatriation of undocumented migrants.
