March to March protestors are gathering at Van Blerk Square, where the Middelburg march is set to begin at 09:00.

They will head to the industrial area via the town centre.

Police already had their hands full last night following several confrontations between so-called protestors and foreign nationals.

A reliable source told the Middelburg Observer that several shops had been broken into and looted throughout the night.

Most foreign nationals have since fled the CBD for their safety, while police also ordered foreign-owned businesses to shutter for the day.

A number of households belonging to foreign nationals were also targeted overnight, with occupants ordered to leave their homes.

Police have a water cannon on standby, while drones will also be used to ensure that groups do not splinter from the main march.

Organisers have vowed that the march will remain peaceful, although during the previous march, fringe groups targeted the Department of Home Affairs office in Middelburg over two days, bringing all services to a halt.

Staff said they were threatened and manhandled during the ordeal.

Police also had to detain more than 40 foreign nationals for their own safety after marchers veered off course and targeted blocks of flats in the CBD.

Marchers also trespassed at Middelburg Heights where a number of specific flats were targeted.

Mpumalanga’s confirmed marches will take place in Middelburg, Emalahleni, Secunda, Dullstroom and Mbombela.

All residents should avoid the CBD while the march is in progress.

The cut off time for protests have not been given.