STREETS OF FURY: Ten cars torched as xenophobic violence erupts in Soweto

Orlando West, a suburb of Soweto, became a scene of chaos on Thursday afternoon as a peaceful demonstration turned violent. Ten cars were set on fire by angry residents who were protesting against the Constitutional Court's decision on asylum seekers and a directive by Home Affairs. The protestors, led by community leader Tshepo Mposule, had gathered to voice their dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the issue.

The demonstration remained peaceful until some community members began targeting foreign-owned shops. When a confrontation ensued with armed foreign shop owners, stones were thrown, and the police were called. However, the situation escalated when the foreign shop owners fired shots at the residents, who then retaliated by torching the cars.

Mposule expressed disappointment over the violent turn of events, emphasizing that the demonstration was intended to be peaceful. Some community members blamed the foreign shop owners for the violence, while others criticized the government for failing to protect its citizens. The police confirmed that those arrested would face charges of malicious damage to property and arson, warning both citizens and foreign nationals that lawlessness would not be tolerated.