Thousands of anti-immigration demonstrators marched across South Africa on Tuesday, calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals as nationwide protests unfolded under heightened security.
The demonstrations, which drew large crowds in several locations including Johannesburg, followed an unofficial June 30 deadline previously issued by anti-migration groups demanding that undocumented immigrants leave the country.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters marching through parts of Johannesburg, where they called for undocumented foreigners to exit South Africa.
According to the BBC, security agencies deployed officers across the country amid concerns that the protests could escalate into violence.
Before the demonstrations began, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed for calm, urging participants to avoid “intimidation, threats or ultimatums,” while stressing that the protests should remain peaceful even as his administration recognised the need to reform the country’s immigration system.
The BBC reported that the demonstrations were “largely peaceful across the country, with isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting.”
In Johannesburg, the broadcaster reported that the city centre remained unusually quiet as many businesses stayed closed, while police maintained a visible presence along major routes.
It also said some protesters hurled bricks at residential buildings in Yeoville, an area known for its large African migrant population, damaging several windows.
READ ALSO: South Africa Repatriates 2,745 Foreigners In One Week Amid Immigration Crackdown
Police arrested five suspects in Soweto over the alleged looting of a foreign-owned business. Another five people were arrested in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, in connection with the alleged break-in of a tuck shop, the report added.
According to the BBC, “many have already fled to escape violence and intimidation,” with South African police saying 25,000 people have been repatriated so far, most of them from other African countries.
One undocumented Malawian preparing to leave South Africa told the broadcaster he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind his four young children.
The protests also heightened anxiety among Nigerians residing in South Africa.
On Monday, dozens of Nigerians sought refuge at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria after reports of the planned demonstrations fuelled fears of possible xenophobic attacks.
Some said they felt safer within the embassy premises, while others who had registered for evacuation remained in South Africa because they were not included on the latest outbound flight.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government continued its voluntary evacuation exercise. On Tuesday, another 271 Nigerians arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg, where they were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
The latest evacuation is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to assist citizens choosing to return home as anti-immigration tensions continue in South Africa, with authorities closely monitoring the situation following the nationwide demonstrations.