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

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.

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 South Africa's Constitutional Court, the country's highest court.
• Clashes 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.
• Acting national police commissioner Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane condemned the destruction of property.

Meanwhile, the violence comes against the backdrop of growing anger over a court ruling requiring the administration to remove barriers that had prevented some migrants from applying for asylum.

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.

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.

Notably, the latest unrest follows a July ruling by South Africa's Constitutional Court, the country'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.

It has 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. You may additionally be interested in.

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

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