Anti-immigration protests turn violent in Johannesburg and Durban

Protests against immigration turned violent in Soweto, near Johannesburg, and in Durban, South Africa.

Police said 10 vehicles were set alight in Soweto and 14 in Durban, and foreign-owned shops were looted.

The unrest followed a July court ruling that removed some procedural barriers to applying for asylum, including for people who entered South Africa irregularly.

The ruling allows more people to seek asylum, but it does not automatically give them refugee status or permanent residence.

The government says asylum offices have been overwhelmed by the increase in applications and has pledged to expand processing capacity and strengthen identity checks.

The violence adds to months of anti-immigrant protests, which have driven tens of thousands of people to flee South Africa.

Police said no one was injured in Soweto and warned that those responsible for violence and destruction would face prosecution.