Police have arrested three foreign nationals in Durban following violent protests over asylum seeker policies. The unrest, which also unfolded in Soweto, left 24 vehicles torched.

Authorities have stepped up deployments to prevent further violence.

The protests erupted in Durban yesterday (October 8) after demonstrators protesting against illegal immigration joined a march outside Home Affairs, according to Berea Mail.

Ten vehicles were torched in Soweto and another 14 in Durban as anti-immigration protests descended into violence yesterday, prompting police to reinforce deployments and warn that those responsible would face arrest.

Anti-immigration protests turn violent in two cities

The violence in Orlando West, Soweto, erupted after residents clashed with foreign nationals amid anger over the processing of asylum applications, with vehicles set alight and foreign-owned shops looted, according to an article in The Citizen yesterday.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla said police received reports that shots had allegedly been fired at protesters, triggering retaliatory attacks and the burning of vehicles. Police reported no injuries at the time, although the situation remained tense.

The violence also affected Durban’s CBD, where at least 14 vehicles were torched, a building and a warehouse were partially burnt, and three foreign nationals were arrested following an alleged assault on a demonstrator, Berea Mail reported.

Police warn against further violence

Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane condemned the destruction of property and warned that police would pursue those responsible for the arson and other acts of violence.

Speaking in Soweto yesterday evening, Dimpane said police had reinforced public order deployments in affected areas and were co-ordinating their response to prevent further unrest.

“The right to raise concerns and to protest does not give anyone the right to commit crime,” she said.

She urged communities to remain calm and let the government address concerns about the Constitutional Court ruling through established legal and constitutional processes.

The ruling declared certain provisions of the Refugees Act unconstitutional and affirmed asylum seekers’ access to the asylum determination process, regardless of procedural barriers linked to their entry into the country.

Dimpane also appealed to community leaders, civil society organisations and residents to help calm tensions and prevent further violence.

Police said they would continue monitoring developments and adjusting deployments as necessary.

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