Vehicles torched as locals and foreign nationals clash in Soweto

JOHANNESBURG - Tensions have flared up in Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg, on Thursday. 

Foreign nationals and South African residents have clashed.

Residents clashed with foreign shop owners, with gunshots fired and some cars set on fire.

Ten vehicles have been torched.

Meanwhile, tensions also flared up in the Durban CBD on Thursday.

Police fired tear gas at protestors and at least 11 cars were burned.

The Fire Department responded with several vehicles dispatched to the scene.

The protestors began at the Home Affairs refugee offices.

Foreign nationals at the office were advised by the police to evacuate for their own safety.

Some community members who support the demonstration say the situation could have been prevented if immigration laws were stricter and South African citizens felt prioritised.