Three foreign nationals were injured in South Africa on Wednesday when a protest against undocumented migrants turned violent, police in KwaZulu-Natal said.
KwaZulu-Natal has been the epicentre of long-running demonstrations against irregular migration, which has already left four foreigners dead and seen African governments repatriate their citizens.
Police said the three sustained injuries when protesters began looting shops in Kranskop, some 150 kilometres from the eastern city of Durban.
“Two of the injured victims are receiving medical attention at a hospital, whereas the third victim is yet to be located,” a statement read.
Tensions
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims are in the country legally, however their immigration status will be verified.” Their nationalities were not given.
Groups campaigning against undocumented migrants set a June 30 deadline for them to leave the country.
Tensions have forced more than 176,000 people to flee, according to an AFP tally based on figures released by African governments that have repatriated their nationals. Police said at least 80 people were arrested in Kranskop.
One of the three victims was reportedly robbed of cash, they added.
