Police were deployed to Vereeniging in the Vaal after violent clashes erupted between a group of South African residents and foreign business owners in the town's central business district.
The unrest saw protesters barricading roads with burning tyres and rocks, disrupting traffic and business activity. Several vehicles and shops belonging to foreign nationals were also damaged, with windows smashed during the violence.
Tensions escalated as members of the two groups threw stones at one another, prompting police to intervene to restore order.
The demonstrations were led by a group of South African residents demanding that foreign nationals leave the area. Protesters said they intended to continue their action until their demands were met.
One of the protesters, Jabu Mahlangu, said the group believes foreign nationals should not be operating businesses in communities facing high levels of poverty and unemployment.
Mahlangu argued that local residents should benefit from economic opportunities in the Vaal, adding that the protests would continue beyond Thursday as demonstrators called for what they described as economic restoration.
Police remain on the scene to monitor the situation and prevent further violence. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made or whether anyone was injured during the clashes.