South Africa deploys police and military after anti-migrant protests spark looting in Johannesburg

South African police and military personnel launched a large security operation across parts of Johannesburg on Tuesday after violence and looting broke out in several neighbourhoods.

The operation saw officers detain dozens of suspected looters, recover stolen items and deploy to areas where businesses had been targeted.

Security personnel were sent to communities including Hillbrow, Jeppe and Alexandra as authorities worked to contain the unrest and prevent further attacks on closed businesses.

Private security director Yaseen Theba said officers responded quickly after receiving reports of looting in Jeppe.

"We received reports of looting in the Jeppe area. Members responded and managed to disperse the crowds that were gathering around businesses that had closed," he said.

According to Theba, although the organised demonstrations had come to an end, criminal groups continued to take advantage of the situation.

"We know that officially the marches have long ended. It's now just a question of clearing the criminal element that’s looting in these areas," he added.

He said security teams were moving to other affected communities as fresh incidents were reported.

"We are now proceeding to Alex, where we are also seeing some looting starting, and we hope to disperse the crowds there and get everything back to normal as quickly as possible," Theba said.

The unrest followed nationwide anti-migrant demonstrations after protesters declared 30 June as the deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.

Several African governments have since prepared repatriation plans for their citizens amid concerns that the violence could spread.

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned attacks on foreign nationals, while the United Nations expressed concern over the growing violence targeting migrants.