A refugee leader in the Eastern Cape has called on the South African government to protect foreign-owned businesses while ensuring that undocumented migrants are dealt with in accordance with the law.
The appeal follows tensions between local residents and foreign nationals during anti-illegal immigration protests held across the province on 30 June.
Although the demonstrations were largely peaceful, some communities within the Buffalo City Metro experienced incidents of looting targeting spaza shops.
Residents of the Nkandla Informal Settlement said several foreign-owned businesses were looted during the unrest.
One community leader said many of the affected shop owners had made positive contributions to the local community by providing essential goods and services.
Concerns are now mounting among foreign business owners operating in township areas, with many fearing that further looting could occur if there is not a sustained and visible police presence.
The refugee leader urged the government to distinguish between undocumented migrants and foreign nationals who are legally living and working in South Africa, while calling for stronger enforcement of immigration laws.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape police confirmed that 229 people were arrested during 28 separate marches held across the province on Tuesday.
According to police, 208 of those arrested were undocumented foreign nationals.
Authorities have continued to monitor the situation as tensions surrounding illegal immigration persist in several parts of the country.