They came in their numbers from all over the province. It was meant to be a peaceful march, organised by a group called Mamelodi Concerned Residents.
But soon chaos broke out.
Police refused to allow these marchers to proceed – insisting they stick to the agreed-upon route.
The foreign nationals were having none of it, refusing to be intimidated.
Some South Africans are demanding that illegal immigrants be deported immediately.
They blame foreigners for crime especially the illegal drug trade but they also accuse migrants of taking jobs that could be held by South Africans.
“We are not xenophobic. We don’t want any person to be attacked, any foreign national, and any person. That’s why we said the march is to the relevant department and institutions within South Africa that are set up to deal with this but South Africans are frustrated, South Africans are angry.” Said Makgoka Lekganyane, Mamelodi Resident, South Africa
There’s palpable anger between nationals and foreign nationals in Pretoria, South Africa. Police say they are deeply concerned that this might only be the beginning. They’re worried that the scenes of xenophobic attacks in 2008 will resurface.
Later in the day, protesters handed a memorandum of their grievances to authorities. They maintain that those responsible for the chaos are not part of the group.
“Although the group from Mamelodi protested peacefully, a group of people from Atteridgeville blocked roads, burned tyres and threw stones. They also without authority to do so marched to the Central Business District. We caution those involved in violent and unlawful acts that the law enforcement agencies of this country will not tolerate such conduct and will act within the confines of the law.” Said Khomotso Phahlane, Acting Police Commissioner, South Africa
The government has pledged to take action against ANYONE who commits violent acts.
“We wish to see a South Africa in which those who commit crime and corruption are not profiled according to nationality but are dealt with as criminals by the agencies of the state mandated to deal with that area. It cannot be the responsibility of vigilantes; it cannot be the responsibility of anybody taking the law into their own hands.” Said Malusi Gigaba,Home Affairs Minister, South Africa
The presidency has also released a statement calling for restraint.
