South African police said more than 900 people were arrested on Tuesday as anti-migrant protests spread across the country, with most demonstrations passing peacefully but several turning violent and leading to looting.
Deputy national police commissioner Tebello Mosikili said 120 marches were held nationwide. Of those, 108 remained peaceful, while 12 required law enforcement intervention because of unrest.
Authorities said some of those detained were undocumented migrants accused of violating immigration rules. Others were arrested on allegations including public violence, robbery and harbouring undocumented migrants.
Mosikili said police reinforcements were deployed overnight to five of South Africa’s nine provinces following isolated incidents of looting and criminal activity. Soldiers were also sent to Johannesburg’s Hillbrow neighbourhood to support police operations.
The marches were organised after an anti-immigrant movement set a “deadline” for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.
The protests followed months of anti-migrant unrest that have drawn international criticism, with foreign nationals reportedly forced from their homes and businesses and property targeted in attacks.
South Africa has repeatedly seen outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often driven by frustration over unemployment, poverty and pressure on public services. Rights groups have warned that migrants are increasingly being used as scapegoats for deeper economic and governance problems.