As the marchers moved from the City of Joburg to Hillbrow and Yeoville, tensions almost escalated with the burning of dustbins and throwing of stones reported.
Crime, overcrowding at local healthcare facilities, and drugs being sold on street corners were some of the biggest issues pointed out by marchers who took part in the Johannesburg protest calling for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa.
This march, which was led by former radio personality turned activist Ngizwe Mchunu, kicked off in Jeppe city centre, with multiple stops in Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville, before wrapping up with an address at Kwa Mai-Mai on Tuesday.
"We are tired of drugs. Here in Hillbrow, there are many places openly selling drugs without any police intervention. Go to Braamfontein, Yeoville and other street corners, you will see people selling drugs," said a Yeoville-based protestor, Minenhle Mhlambi.
As the march gained ground, the streets of Hillbrow in Johannesburg reverberated with chants calling for the immediate deportation of illegal immigrants from South Africa. While the protest unfolded relatively peacefully, tensions were palpable as some nearby residents allegedly hurled stones and bottles at the demonstrators, with some in the crowd also retaliating.
