Key facts
- South African police arrested over 900 people during anti-migrant protests.
- Thousands of demonstrators marched nationwide, with some protests turning violent.
- Protesters cited economic hardship and crime as reasons for their actions.
- At least four people were killed and businesses were looted.
- Many migrants expressed fear but stated they would remain in South Africa.
- The 'March and March' group plans further weekly demonstrations.
South African police arrested over 900 people during widespread anti-migrant protests that saw thousands of demonstrators march nationwide, with some protests turning violent. Protesters cited economic hardship, unemployment, and crime as reasons for their actions, with some blaming immigrants for taking jobs and accepting lower wages. The demonstrations included clashes, looting of migrant-owned businesses, and vandalism, resulting in at least four deaths. Many foreign-owned businesses closed, and some migrants expressed fear for their safety but stated their intention to remain in the country, having no other options. The group 'March and March' claims to oppose only illegal immigration and plans to continue weekly demonstrations until its demands for mass deportations are met.