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South African police have been deployed across major cities to prevent violence as anti-immigrant groups staged protests on Tuesday, demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.
The demonstrations followed an unofficial deadline set by the groups, prompting thousands of migrants to flee their homes or seek shelter.
In Johannesburg, police officers patrolled key areas as most shops remained closed and normally busy streets were unusually quiet.
In the southeastern city of Durban, small groups of protesters gathered in traditional Zulu attire, carrying sticks and shields while chanting “abahambe,” meaning “Let them go.”
One of the protesters, 64-year-old Selwyn Anderson, claimed undocumented migrants had taken over many small businesses.
“South Africa is the America of Africa,” he said.
Authorities say they have increased security to prevent unrest, looting and attacks on foreign nationals.
The protests have been organised by a coalition of small political parties and citizen groups, many of which have been active on social media.
According to analysts, some of the online messages circulating about migrants have contained false information that has since been debunked by AFP.
The recent wave of anti-immigrant violence has already claimed several lives.
At least two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian have been killed in attacks over the past few weeks.
Several African governments have also arranged flights and buses to evacuate their citizens from South Africa as tensions continue to rise.
