Thousands of people have marched in South Africa’s main cities to demand that all undocumented migrants leave the country.
News
Police officers – backed by private security guards – have been deployed because of fears that protests could turn violent. Anti-migrant groups had set Tuesday as the deadline for undocumented migrants to leave.
Many foreigners have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.
One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind four young children.
Details
The Ministry of Police said the protests had largely been peaceful across the country, with isolated incidents of looting.
However Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that the army was deployed “on a contingency basis” in “parts of Johannesburg” as well as Durban.
Police also confirmed the arrest of three more people in Hillbrow, a suburb in Johannesburg with a high migrant population, after two people were injured during protests.
Analysis
According to police, the trio “opened fire at protesters who were passing through the street” and the marchers retaliated by “torching the suspects’ vehicle”. Among the injured was a 17-year-old.
Some protesters threw bricks, breaking the windows of some homes in Yeoville, another suburb where many African migrants live.
Shops in the city centre were closed, while police visibility is high on major streets.
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