Shops have been attacked and a foreign national beaten in the street as anti-migrant unrest spreads across South Africa, with violence erupting in Durban and Johannesburg’s Soweto township.
At least 24 vehicles were set on fire and businesses, including foreign-owned shops, were looted during violent clashes on Thursday. Reports also described a foreign national being beaten in the street during the violence.
The unrest escalated on Friday, October 9,when Durban’s city centre descended into chaos as anti-immigrant protests turned violent, forcing both foreign and South African business owners to run for safety.
Crowds clashed on the streets while police struggled to contain the violence that followed attacks on shops and vehicles.
Footage from the scene showed people running through the streets, some carrying wooden sticks, as police moved in to restore order. Officers were also seen escorting an injured person through a crowd of protesters.
The protests were fuelled by anger over the processing of asylum applications at Department of Home Affairs offices, following a Constitutional Court ruling on July 7 that removed certain restrictions on access to South Africa’s asylum system.
Under the ruling, asylum seekers cannot be denied the opportunity to apply only because they entered the country illegally or failed to meet administrative requirements. It does not automatically grant refugee status or permanent residence.
South African authorities stressed that all asylum claims must still be assessed individually and warned against misinformation suggesting the ruling amounted to an amnesty for undocumented migrants.
Following the unrest, the Department of Home Affairs withdrew a directive issued on September 28 that was meant to help implement the court ruling. Officials said refugee reception centres had been overwhelmed by applications, while staff faced threats and serious public safety concerns.
The department insisted it remained committed to complying with the court’s decision and would develop a new approach to processing asylum applications.
Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane condemned the violence, warning that those responsible for attacks, looting and destruction of property would face prosecution.
Police have also reinforced their presence in Durban as the demonstrations continued, urging protesters to respect the law and warning against further violence.
Credit: Viory
