Calm restored in Johannesburg CBD after violent protest

Johannesburg's central business district has returned to a state of calm following violent protests over a recent court ruling. Earlier this week, a vehicle was torched by demonstrators at the Constitutional Hill Human Rights Precinct in Braamfontein. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Thursday and Friday in response to a July ruling by the Constitutional Court. The court's decision stated that asylum seekers cannot be denied entry into the country solely due to procedural reasons, such as entering illegally.

According to a spokesperson from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Xolani Fihla, the group marched from Kwa Mai Mai to Constitutional Hill. Unfortunately, there was an isolated act of lawlessness during the march, where a vehicle was deliberately set ablaze. The South African Police Service (SAPS) will conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and ensure they face consequences. Afterward, the protesters moved to the Home Affairs office on Harrison Street before regrouping at Kwa Mai Mai.

Fihla confirmed that the situation in Johannesburg's inner city, as well as in Soweto, has returned to calm following the violent incidents that occurred yesterday. However, the JMPD is working diligently to ensure that justice is served for the arson incident and maintain public safety as the city continues to recover from the unrest.