JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Thousands of demonstrators gathered in parts of South Africa to rally against illegal immigration on Tuesday in the biggest migration-related protests since the wave of anti-migrant violence in 2008. Authorities said the marches were largely peaceful despite isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting.Police reported that several people were arrested, although they did not disclose how many. At a press conference late on Tuesday, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi praised the peaceful nature of the protests but warned that anyone involved in violence or other criminal acts would be prosecuted.“Those who chose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law,” she told reporters. “Police will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute all those responsible for criminal conduct.”
Protesters blame migrants, but root of South Africa’s problems disputedThe demonstrations come after some protest groups set their own June 30 deadline for the departure of all migrants who are in the country illegally. The activists blame those migrants for causing unemployment among South Africans by accepting low wages, and for other problems, including high crime.South Africa’s government has rejected the deadline, saying only authorities can enforce immigration laws.
