An anti-migrant demonstration in South Africa’s port city of Durban descended into violence on Thursday, leaving several people injured and at least one foreign national arrested.
The protest was part of weeks of growing demonstrations against undocumented migrants in the country, with Durban at the centre of the unrest. At least four foreign nationals have reportedly been killed, while tens of thousands of people have fled South Africa amid the violence.
Police said about 100 protesters from an anti-illegal migrant group marched to a government office as part of what they described as a “clean-up campaign” targeting an encampment housing several hundred foreign nationals.
Many of those at the encampment are from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They moved to the site about 13 weeks ago seeking protection from mobs of South Africans campaigning against undocumented migrants.
Police said violence broke out during the confrontation after stones were thrown.
“During the commotion, stones were thrown around, and one which was thrown by a foreign national landed on a police officer,” police said in a statement.
The foreign national was subsequently arrested, although police did not provide further details.
A leader of the foreign nationals, Bishop Raphael, said five Congolese nationals, including two children, were injured during the confrontation.
“The march today was very violent,” said Raphael, who is from the DRC.
“They found us here and immediately attacked our people. We are not committing any crime by being here. This is uncalled for,” he said.
Many of those staying at the encampment say they are refugees fleeing conflict in the DRC.
Raphael alleged that protesters carrying sticks attempted to attack the encampment while police tried to keep the two groups apart.
He said police eventually used stun grenades to disperse the crowds, resulting in additional injuries.
Tensions have escalated across South Africa since fringe groups campaigning against undocumented migrants issued a June 30 deadline for foreigners to leave the country.
More than 200,000 people have since fled, according to an AFP tally based on figures released by African governments that have repatriated their nationals.
South African police have confirmed at least four migrant deaths linked to the violence, although some foreign governments have reported higher figures.
The latest clashes are likely to intensify concerns over anti-migrant violence and the treatment of refugees and undocumented foreigners in South Africa.
