Thousands of people are marching in South Africa’s major cities demanding that all undocumented immigrants leave the country.
Police, backed by private security guards, were deployed amid concerns that protests could turn violent. Anti-immigrant groups have set Tuesday as the deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave the country.
Many foreigners have already fled to escape violence and threats. South African police say 25,000 people have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.
One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was “happy to go back” but “heartbroken” to leave behind four young children.
Police said the protests were largely peaceful across the country, with some incidents of looting and attempted looting.
Johannesburg, where protests are taking place, is unusually quiet. Shops in the city center are closed and police visibility is high on main streets.
In Yeoville, a suburb of Johannesburg where many African immigrants live, some protesters threw bricks and broke the windows of some houses.
Police say they have arrested five people on suspicion of looting foreign-owned shops in Soweto, Johannesburg’s largest town.
In KwaZulu-Natal province, about 10 people were arrested on suspicion of looting, a woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and a man was arrested on suspicion of ‘intimidation’ after reports of a foreigner being beaten, police said.
Many businesses in central Durban, the province’s main city, also closed. A police helicopter was patrolling the city.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with several protest leaders the day before the march in a bid to ease tensions.
He repeatedly warned protesters to act peacefully while accepting the need for immigration reform.
