South Africa Deploys Thousands of Police as Deadly Anti-Immigration Protests Spread Across Multiple Cities

South Africa has deployed thousands of police officers and placed its military on standby after large-scale anti-immigration protests turned violent this week, with unrest spreading across Johannesburg, Durban and surrounding regions. At least four people have been killed and widespread looting reported since demonstrations erupted around a deadline set by protest organisers demanding the departure of undocumented migrants. Organisers argue foreign workers have depressed wages and contributed to crime, while the government has rejected the deadline, saying immigration enforcement remains solely a matter for state authorities. The clashes mark the country's largest migration-related unrest since 2008. Landlords in several cities have evicted foreign tenants amid the tension, and hundreds of migrants have reportedly fled or been left without shelter. Officials have urged calm as protest organisers say further weekly demonstrations are planned in the months ahead.