Cars torched and shops looted as anti-migrant violence erupts in South Africa

9 October 2026, 05: 44 BST. Updated 1 hour ago.

Key points

• Police remarked 14 vehicles were torched in Durban and 10 in Soweto, where gunshots were additionally documented during confrontations between residents and foreign shopkeepers.
• The latest unrest follows a July ruling by Constitutional Court, South Africa's highest court.
• Unrest broke out on Thursday in Soweto, a sprawling township outside Johannesburg, the country's largest city, and Durban, a major port on the east coast.
• "There were clashes between foreign nationals in the area and South African nationals, " senior local police officer Xolani Fihla informed state broadcaster SABC.
• At least 24 vehicles have been set ablaze and foreign-owned shops looted in South Africa as anti-immigration protests descended into violence in two major cities, police say.

For context, the violence comes against the backdrop of growing anger over a court ruling which would allow some migrants who had arrived in the country illegally to apply for asylum.

This had led to long queues outside immigration centres and the administration on Friday stated it would change the way it would comply with that ruling, without giving details.

While "serious threats to public safety and order had emerged", the Department of Home Affairs remarked the current policy had seen its staff "overwhelmed".

It remarked that the new policy would still abide by the Constitutional Court ruling.

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

'We have to prioritise South Africans': Anti-migrant movement blocks foreigners from healthcare. The uniformed group targeting foreigners in South Africa.

Thursday's demonstration turned violent after allegations that a foreign national had assaulted one of the protesters in Durban.

Three foreign nationals were arrested in connection with the alleged assault, police remarked.

In Durban, in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, protesters gathered outside a administration refugee reception centre demanding that it stop accepting asylum applications.

Police fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds as businesses in the city centre shut their doors.

"At the present moment, I can confirm that no injuries have been reported, " he continued.

Acting national police commissioner Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane condemned the destruction of property.

In Orlando West, a neighbourhood of Soweto, residents had initially gathered to demand the closure of small convenience stores, known locally as spaza shops, operated by foreign nationals.

While shops were attacked and a building was set on fire, local media documented, protesters forced foreign traders out of some areas. Police remarked reinforcements had been deployed to prevent further violence. The authorities have promised to pursue those responsible for the destruction.

For context, the latest unrest follows a July ruling by Constitutional Court, South Africa's highest court. It struck down restrictions preventing some individuals from seeking asylum as of how they entered the country or missed immigration deadlines.

Meanwhile, the judgment means asylum seekers must be allowed to submit applications, even if they entered South Africa without the required documents.

This prompted hundreds of individuals to gather at refugee reception centres, fuelling anger among anti-immigration campaigners who fear the decision will encourage undocumented migration.

Administration spokesman William Baloyi informed Reuters news agency that individuals had deliberately spread false claims concerning the judgment, creating the impression that undocumented migrants would automatically be granted legal status.

Baloyi insisted that the ruling does not automatically offer migrants refugee status or the right to remain permanently in South Africa.

Authorities say applications will still be assessed individually and applicants will remain subject to immigration checks.

Earlier this year, anti-immigration groups staged weeks of demonstrations demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country by 30 June.

Meanwhile, the protests forced tens of thousands of migrants to flee, with some returning home through repatriation programmes organised by their governments.

South Africa has struggled with xenophobic attacks for almost two decades. In 2008, more than 60 individuals were killed and tens of thousands displaced during widespread attacks on foreign nationals.

For context, the latest unrest comes against a backdrop of widespread poverty, deep inequality and unemployment affecting roughly a third of the workforce.

Although researchers say such sweeping claims are not backed by evidence, migrants are frequently accused of taking jobs, contributing to crime and placing pressure on public services.

Despite its economic difficulties, South Africa remains one of the continent's main destinations for migrants seeking employment, safety and better opportunities. Extra reporting by Christian Parkinson in Johannesburg. You may additionally be interested in.

In practice, the South African men trying to end violence against women: 'Every man needs to play a part'.

For context, the king's speech – and why it has foreigners in South Africa worried.

'They came with machetes' – deadline looms for migrants to leave South Africa.

Nigeria warns its citizens in South Africa to be cautious after march turns violent.

Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.

In short, cars torched and shops looted as anti-migrant violence erupts in South Africa is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.