Five Congolese nationals were injured after an anti-migrant protest turned violent in Durban, South Africa. Two children were among those hurt.
The clash happened near a government office where hundreds of foreign nationals have been staying.
Many of them are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They moved to the site after earlier anti-migrant unrest made them fear for their safety.
South Africa anti-migrant protest turns violent
Around 100 protesters joined the demonstration on Thursday.
The group described its action as a campaign against undocumented migration. However, tensions quickly increased when protesters reached the area where the foreign nationals were staying.
Police said people threw stones during the confrontation. One stone hit a police officer.
Officers later arrested one foreign national over the incident.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Congolese group said five people suffered injuries. Two of them were children.
He also said some protesters carried sticks and tried to attack people at the site.
Police moved between the two groups and used stun grenades to disperse the crowds.
Anti-migrant tensions grow in South Africa
The latest South Africa anti-migrant protest comes after weeks of tension over irregular migration.
Some groups have demanded that undocumented migrants leave the country.
At the same time, South African authorities have warned people against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands.
The government says the state is responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
Police have also stressed that people have the right to protest peacefully. However, violence, intimidation and attacks remain illegal.
Migrants seek safety after earlier violence
The foreign nationals involved in Thursday’s confrontation have been staying near the government office for around 13 weeks.
Many say they went there to seek protection from anti-migrant groups.
The latest incident follows wider unrest that has affected migrant communities across South Africa.
More than 200,000 people have left the country, according to an AFP tally based on figures from African governments that repatriated their citizens.
South African police have also reported at least four migrant deaths linked to the violence. However, some foreign governments have reported a higher toll.
The Durban clashes have now added to concerns about the safety of migrants as tensions over immigration continue.