Cars torched and shops looted as anti-migrant violence erupts in South Africa
Anti-migrant protests in South Africa have turned violent, resulting in the torching of vehicles and looting of foreign-owned shops in Soweto and Durban. The unrest follows a court ruling that eased restrictions on asylum applications, sparking tensions between local residents and foreign nationals.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the persistent issue of xenophobic violence in South Africa and the social instability caused by migration policy disputes.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, Police fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds as businesses remained shut
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.
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.
The violence comes amid growing anger over a court ruling requiring the government 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.
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