Anti-migrant violence flares in South Africa, vehicles torched and shops looted

Police fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds as businesses remained shut in two of South Africa's biggest cities. The violence erupted in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, and in Durban, a major east coast port, on Thursday.

The demonstrations were fuelled by anger over a Constitutional Court ruling that would allow some migrants who arrived illegally to apply for asylum. The ruling has led to long queues outside immigration centres.

On Friday, the government said it would change the way it complies with the ruling, without giving details. The Department of Home Affairs said the current policy had left its staff "overwhelmed" and that "serious threats to public safety and order had emerged". It said the new policy would still abide by the court ruling.

Thursday's demonstration turned violent after allegations that a foreign national had assaulted one of the protesters in Durban. Police said three foreign nationals were arrested in connection with the alleged incident.

South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often targeting migrants from neighbouring countries.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The violence has shut businesses and disrupted daily life in two major cities, with properties and vehicles destroyed.
The unrest puts pressure on the government to respond to the court ruling while managing public anger and protecting migrants' rights.
South Africa's history of xenophobic attacks raises concerns that similar violence could spread to other areas.

Background

South Africa has a long record of outbreaks of xenophobic violence, frequently directed at migrants from other African countries. The current unrest is tied to a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum for migrants who entered the country illegally. The ruling created long queues at immigration offices and prompted the government to review its approach, while still promising to comply with the court's decision.

Key Perspectives

Protesters: Anger is directed at foreign nationals, and the violence followed an allegation that a foreign national assaulted a protester in Durban. Government and Home Affairs: Officials say staff are overwhelmed and public safety is under serious threat, and they have promised a revised policy that remains consistent with the court ruling. Migrants and foreign nationals: Foreign-owned shops were looted and three foreign nationals were arrested, highlighting the exposure of migrant communities to violence and insecurity.

What to Watch

The details of the government's revised policy for complying with the court ruling.
Whether further protests or reprisal attacks occur in Soweto, Durban or other cities.
The outcome of the arrests of the three foreign nationals linked to the alleged assault in Durban.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources