Stun grenades, looting and violent clashes erupt during Bellville anti-immigration march

Yesterday saw chaos break out in the Bellville CBD during an anti-illegal immigration march, with violent clashes, looting, and police intervention. The protest, organized by Concerned Citizens and joined by members of other groups, started at the Bellville taxi rank and headed towards the police station. Concerned Citizens chair Siyabulela "Mjoli" Dukumbana explained that the march was called urgently following an altercation between South Africans and foreign nationals in Bellville on Tuesday, during which some foreign nationals were allegedly carrying weapons.

Tensions escalated as the group moved through the city, with the protesters alleging a confrontation occurred between foreign nationals and police, which then turned on the protesters. Police confirmed only that they deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd following looting. However, they had not confirmed claims of arrests or live ammunition being fired.

Dukumbana alleged that three Somali nationals were arrested and that one marcher was detained for public disorder. However, the police spokesperson confirmed that no arrests had been made as of publication. The demonstration quickly turned violent, with marchers fleeing as police dispersed the crowd. Injuries were reported, and tear gas filled parts of the CBD.

Concerned Citizens claimed that the situation highlights fears about safety for South Africans amid alleged criminal activities by foreign nationals. However, the city's official stance is that foreign nationals may engage in legitimate economic activities if they have the proper documentation.