South Africa Protests Turn Violent in Durban and SowetoSouth Africa Protests Turn Violent in Durban and Soweto
South Africa Protests Turn Violent in Durban and Soweto Published: 8 October 2026 | Category: South Africa Violent anti-migrant protests erupted in parts of South Africa on Thursday, with vehicles set alight in Durban and Soweto and reports of gunfire in the Johannesburg township. According to Reuters, the incidents occurred amid continuing tensions surrounding immigration, employment and access to public services. Vehicles Burned and Shops Looted in Durban In Durban, unrest followed a demonstration by a group demanding that a refugee centre stop processing asylum applications. Local media reports cited by Reuters indicated that approximately 10 vehicles were overturned and set on fire. Shops owned by foreign nationals were also reportedly looted during the unrest. The incidents raised concerns about public safety and the protection of businesses operating in affected communities. Gunfire Reported in Soweto In Soweto, confrontations between residents and foreign shop owners escal...