Anti-migrant protests turn violent in South African cities

Anti-migrant protests turned violent in Soweto and Durban, South Africa, on Thursday. Crowds set fire to at least 24 vehicles and looted shops owned by foreign nationals across both cities. Police used rubber bullets and stun grenades to control the situation. Officers also arrested three foreign nationals in Durban. No injuries were reported. In Soweto, the worst trouble happened near a Home Affairs office in the Orlando West area, where gunshots were also heard.

The protests began because of a court ruling from July. The ruling made it easier for migrants, including those who entered the country illegally, to apply for asylum. This decision led to very long queues at refugee offices and increased anger in communities where jobs are already scarce.