South Africa has deployed more than 3,000 soldiers nationwide to bolster security and support police during anti-illegal immigrant protests that organisers have vowed to hold every week.
Protests Turn Violent
Protesters marched across cities, with some demonstrations hit by violence, and an anti-illegal immigrant movement says it will march again every Thursday to press its demands for the government to take a tougher stance on illegal immigrants.
Thousands of demonstrators draped in national flags, some wielding wooden weapons, took to the streets. The protests were mainly peaceful, but a handful descended into violence and looting of shops. Police arrested more than 900 people for offences including immigration violations, public violence, robbery and harbouring illegal immigrants.
The protests followed months of unrest that have drawn international criticism as foreigners have been driven from their homes and seen their businesses and property vandalised. Immigrants are blamed for taking jobs, driving crime and putting pressure on public services, claims that social scientists say lack evidence.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
