Thousands of South Africans marched through major cities on Tuesday to demand the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, in demonstrations that disrupted normal activities and heightened tensions in parts of the country.
Despite the South African government declaring the day a normal working day, local media reported that many businesses remained closed, workers stayed away from their jobs, and public transport hubs experienced unusually low activity as the protests unfolded.
While many of the demonstrations were peaceful, isolated incidents of violence were reported. Witnesses and local reports indicated that some protesters engaged in looting, threw stones and clashed with security personnel in certain areas.
Near Johannesburg, security forces were seen escorting a small group of foreign nationals to safety after they were confronted by a crowd of protesters carrying large sticks and other weapons.
However, some demonstrators maintained that the marches were largely orderly, stating that organisers followed due process by submitting a memorandum outlining their demands to government authorities.
The nationwide protests reflect growing public concern over illegal immigration, with demonstrators calling on the government to strengthen border controls and remove undocumented migrants from the country.
Authorities have yet to release an official assessment of the protests or confirm the full extent of any injuries, arrests or property damage linked to the demonstrations.
Credit:AFP
