SouthernWorldwide.com – Thousands of police have been deployed across South Africa as violent protests against illegal immigration escalated on Tuesday, spreading to multiple cities.
The military has been placed on standby as looting and destruction spread, particularly in the Johannesburg region.
The unrest, involving thousands of protesters, began ahead of a June 30 deadline set by some organizers demanding the departure of all illegal migrants.
These marches reportedly drew a significant number of mostly poor or unemployed South Africans. They claim that foreign migrants have taken jobs by accepting lower wages and have contributed to increased crime rates.
At least four people have been reported killed amidst the violence and looting that has gripped the nation, according to Reuters.
These clashes represent the most significant migration-related protests since anti-migrant violence flared up in South Africa in 2008.
While many foreign nationals from other African countries had already fled before the unofficial deadline, tensions have remained high.
Multiple businesses and properties have been vandalized across various areas, according to reports.
In anticipation of further incidents, many shops reportedly closed, and foreign workers chose to stay home.
Witnesses have alleged that landlords in Durban and Johannesburg illegally evicted foreign tenants to avoid potential trouble.
Reuters also reported that 100 Congolese nationals were found to be sleeping on the streets of Durban.
While many of the marches were described as peaceful, police reported arresting several looters and using rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
The national broadcaster SABC reported that protesters looted shacks belonging to foreign nationals in the Soweto township.
In Thembisa, a suburb of Johannesburg, rioters reportedly threw stones at police and individuals perceived as migrants. Witnesses stated that sporadic gunfire could be heard.
Police deployed tactical vehicles and fired shots in Benoni, located east of Johannesburg. This action was taken after they were confronted by a group of approximately 500 protesters, according to Daily Maverick.
Thousands of police officers have been deployed nationwide, with the military on standby, as confirmed by a defense spokesperson.
“To those who intend to break the law tomorrow, our message is simple: do not test the resolve of the State,” stated Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili.
The “March and March” group, one of the prominent organizations behind the unrest, addressed the violence. They stated that they cannot be held responsible for spontaneous incidents occurring during the demonstrations.
“Unfortunately, we can’t be in every single community telling them… how to behave,” Jacinta Ngobese, the leader of the March and March group, told Reuters two weeks prior.
Ngobese indicated that the group plans to hold weekly marches until their demands are met. This is despite the government rejecting the deadline and asserting that only authorities can enforce immigration laws.
“For the next six months, we are asking for our national resources to be used to take the illegal immigrants out of this country. From building to building — they must go,” Ngobese was quoted as saying by ZimLive.
Despite South Africa’s high unemployment rate, the country remains Africa’s largest economy and continues to attract migrants.
The immigrant population is estimated to be around 3 million, constituting approximately 4% of the total population, according to StatsSA.
