immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged those planning to take part to do so without “intimidation, threats or ultimatums”.
East Africa News
The planned protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigner to leave the country.
Many 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.
Regional Impact
Johannesburg, where one of the protests is planned, is unusually quiet.
All the shops in the vicinity of where marchers are due to gather are closed, while police visibility is high on the city’s major streets.
Police said that five people were arrested in Johannesburg’s biggest township, Soweto, for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop.
Analysis
Five people were also arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Many businesses in central Durban, the main city in the province, are shut.
Ramaphosa has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms.
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