Cars torched as Soweto residents clash with foreign nationals [VIDEOS]

Soweto experienced a wave of violence on Thursday, 8 October, after residents clashed with foreign nationals over a Home Affairs directive concerning asylum seekers. Several cars, allegedly belonging to immigrants, were set on fire in Orlando West as a result of the stand-off between residents and foreign shop owners. Goods of some shop owners were also reportedly burned.

At least 10 vehicles were reportedly torched following the escalation of protests outside the Home Affairs office, which grew violent after shots were allegedly fired at the protesters. Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed no injuries but stated that the situation was still under control. Tensions between locals and foreign nationals had been rising due to changes to the Refugee Act, with dozens of people applying for asylum status in the country following a July Constitutional Court ruling.

The ruling mandated that refugees and asylum seekers be given the opportunity to access processing centers, regardless of their illegal entry into South Africa. The directive instructed refugee centers to assist anyone wishing to apply for asylum and prevented refugee reception offices from implementing policies or quotas that hindered the asylum application process.

Protesters expressed their frustration over the directive in Soweto, leading to clashes with foreign nationals and the burning of vehicles. The Khumalo Road near the Hector Peterson Memorial and Museum was closed to traffic as a result of the violence.