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Heavy security personnel has been deployed across South Africa because of fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged those planning to take part to do so without “intimidation, threats or ultimatums”. <\/b><\/p>\n
The planned protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigner to leave the country. <\/p>\n
Many have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.<\/p>\n
One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind four young children.<\/p>\n
Johannesburg, where one of the protests is planned, is unusually quiet.<\/p>\n
All the shops in the vicinity of where marchers are due to gather are closed, while police visibility is high on the city’s major streets.<\/p>\n
Police said that five people were arrested in Johannesburg’s biggest township, Soweto, for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop. <\/p>\n
Five people were also arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal province. <\/p>\n
Many businesses in central Durban, the main city in the province, are shut. <\/p>\n
Ramaphosa has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms.<\/p>\n