Businesses closed and police were deployed across major South African cities on Tuesday as thousands of demonstrators joined anti-migrant protests demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.
The marches followed a deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups calling on undocumented migrants to depart by Tuesday, despite the South African government rejecting claims that those who remained would face automatic arrest or deportation.
Authorities increased security amid concerns that demonstrations could escalate, while many foreign nationals sought refuge in shelters, temporary camps, or left the country altogether.
Police said the protests were largely peaceful overall, although isolated incidents of looting, intimidation, and property damage were reported.
The demonstrations took place in Johannesburg, Durban, and other cities, with heavy police deployments supported by private security personnel.
Shops in central business districts remained closed as authorities monitored the gatherings.
Some protesters broke away from organized marches, with reports of windows being smashed in Johannesburg's Yeoville suburb and several arrests linked to alleged looting in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal.
Police also reported arrests related to assaulting an officer and intimidation following an alleged attack on a foreign national.
President Cyril Ramaphosa urged demonstrators to remain peaceful, stating that the right to protest "does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence."
He also reiterated that foreign nationals legally residing in South Africa are entitled to the protection of the country's laws and constitution.
The protests began as smaller anti-immigrant gatherings in April before expanding into nationwide demonstrations.
Although organizers said they were targeting undocumented migrants, many legally residing foreign nationals also fled because of fears of violence and intimidation.
Police said about 25,000 migrants have already been repatriated, while around 50,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January.
Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have organized flights or bus transport to return their citizens, with thousands waiting in temporary camps for processing.
The demonstrations come amid longstanding tensions over migration, unemployment, and repeated episodes of xenophobic violence that have affected South Africa in previous years.