JOHANNESBURG, July 9 (Reuters) - Groups of anti-immigration South Africans seized foreigners from their homes in Johannesburg on Thursday and handed them to police in a hardening of protests that have sown fear in communities and strained ties with some countries.
In Johannesburg's Alexandra township, a Reuters reporter saw protesters breaking down doors and entering houses where they believed undocumented immigrants were hiding.
They escorted the people to police vans where they were taken away, including a woman and a small child from Malawi. Another man who was apprehended by the marchers told Reuters he was in the country legally.
"I am a ZEP holder," said the Zimbabwean national, Total Mhlanga, referring to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit which allows tens of thousands of nationals to live and work in South Africa.
In Soweto, anti-immigrant protesters marched through town wielding sticks and flags, with plans to go search for undocumented immigrants. Several of the flyers for Thursday's protests advertised a "peaceful march" followed by "door to door". Another march took place in Durban on the east coast.
In Johannesburg's Alexandra township, a Reuters reporter saw protesters breaking down doors and entering houses where they believed undocumented immigrants were hiding.
They escorted the people to police vans where they were taken away, including a woman and a small child from Malawi. Another man who was apprehended by the marchers told Reuters he was in the country legally.
"I am a ZEP holder," said the Zimbabwean national, Total Mhlanga, referring to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit which allows tens of thousands of nationals to live and work in South Africa.
In Soweto, anti-immigrant protesters marched through town wielding sticks and flags, with plans to go search for undocumented immigrants. Several of the flyers for Thursday's protests advertised a "peaceful march" followed by "door to door". Another march took place in Durban on the east coast.
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