Violence and Looting Erupt in South Africa Amid Anti-Migrant Protests

South African police have reported that at least 24 vehicles were set on fire and foreign-owned businesses were looted during anti-immigration demonstrations that escalated into violence in the cities of Durban and Soweto.

The unrest began on Thursday, driven by public outrage over a recent Constitutional Court ruling. The judgment permits certain migrants who entered the country illegally to apply for asylum, leading to long queues at immigration centers and fears among locals that undocumented migration will increase.

In Durban, tensions flared after allegations surfaced that a foreign national had assaulted a protester. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the incident. Police fired rubber bullets to break up crowds gathered outside a refugee reception center, forcing city businesses to close. Senior police officer Xolani Fihla confirmed that 14 vehicles were torched in the area but stated that no injuries had been reported.

Meanwhile, in Soweto, a township outside Johannesburg, 10 vehicles were burned and gunshots were heard during confrontations between residents and foreign shopkeepers. In the Orlando West neighborhood, demonstrators initially demanded the closure of spaza shops—small convenience stores run by foreigners. Protesters forcibly evicted foreign traders from certain areas, attacked shops, and set a building ablaze before police reinforcements arrived.

Acting national police commissioner Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane condemned the destruction of property, and authorities have promised to prosecute those responsible for the violence.

The Department of Home Affairs stated that its staff had been “overwhelmed” by the surge in asylum applications following the court’s decision, leading to serious threats to public safety. The government announced on Friday that it would adjust its compliance strategy with the ruling, though details were not immediately provided. Officials emphasized that the new policy would still adhere to the Constitutional Court’s mandate.

Government spokesperson William Baloyi clarified to Reuters that false claims were being circulated, creating the misconception that undocumented migrants would automatically receive legal status. He insisted that the ruling does not grant refugee status or permanent residency, and that all applications remain subject to individual assessment and immigration checks.

This outbreak follows a history of xenophobic violence in South Africa, including deadly attacks in 2008 that left more than 60 people dead and displaced tens of thousands. Earlier this year, similar protests forced many migrants to flee the country. Analysts note that the current unrest is fueled by deep-seated poverty, inequality, and high unemployment, which affect roughly a third of the workforce. Despite these challenges, South Africa remains a primary destination for migrants seeking economic opportunity and safety on the continent.