Tensions have escalated in parts of South Africa after protesters reportedly looted foreign-owned businesses and set vehicles ablaze during demonstrations demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals.
The incidents occurred in Soweto, Johannesburg, on Thursday night, October 8, 2026, as residents associated with a group identified as Soweto Uprising 2026 staged protests against illegal immigration.
The protesters reportedly stormed a foreign-owned spaza shop, demanding that such businesses be owned and operated by South African citizens.
Videos circulating online show demonstrators removing goods from the shop. Some reportedly claimed they were taking the items outside so the owner could retrieve them. However, subsequent footage appeared to show protesters leaving with the goods.
Tensions had reportedly risen earlier as residents clashed with foreign shop owners, while some vehicles were set on fire.
Xolani Fihla, spokesperson for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, described the situation as criminal activity and confirmed that police officers had been deployed to the affected area.
He said shop owners were moved to a safe location amid the unrest.
“All the owners of these spaza shops had to be vacated. They had to be moved to a safe area,” Fihla said.
He added that no injuries had been reported at the time of his statement.
Similar unrest was reported in Durban’s central business district in KwaZulu-Natal, where police reportedly fired tear gas to disperse protesters and at least 11 vehicles were set ablaze.
The demonstration reportedly began near the Home Affairs refugee offices, prompting police to advise foreign nationals at the facility to evacuate for their safety.
Some community members who supported the demonstrations argued that the situation could have been avoided if immigration laws had been more strictly enforced and South African citizens felt their interests were being prioritised.
The incidents have renewed concerns about public safety, damage to businesses and property, and the treatment of foreign nationals amid protests over immigration and local economic opportunities.
