A large number of Police officers have been deployed across South Africa to deal with the anti-immigration protests, which could turn violent, as President “Cyril Ramaphosa” urged those planning to take part to do so without “intimidation, threats or ultimatums”.
The planned protests against those who have been undocumented for a long time have no action or legislation been formulated till now.
There are a number of residents who have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far, mostly are from other African countries. The residents who left or are ready to flee have mixed sentiments for their future plans and about their previous long stay in Africa.
“Happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind four young children. All the shops in the city where marchers are due to gather are closed, while cops are on high alert to do their best to maintain peace in the city’s major streets.
As per statements from the Police officials, some people were arrested in Johannesburg’s biggest township, Soweto, for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop. A few of them allegedly broke into a tuck shop in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal province. Mega businesses in central Durban, the main city in the province, are shut. “Ramaphosa” has repeatedly requested to the demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms.
“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully.”
“They work, study, raise their families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. “The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.”
