Pretoria CBD businesses shut doors amid illegal immigration protest

Businesses in Pretoria’s inner city are shutting their doors as protesters are making their way through Sunnyside in an illegal protest they claim is directed against immigrants.

The demonstration, led by civic organisation March and March, has grown in numbers throughout Tuesday morning, with more people joining along the route.

While the situation is tense, police said the protest remains peaceful, with no reports of violence.

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In the heart of Sunnyside, an area known for its high-density housing and large foreign national community, shop owners and street vendors are packing up and closing early as a precaution.

Protesters, many singing and chanting, have directed their messages towards residents watching from apartment blocks, calling for foreign nationals to come down and leave the area.

While the rhetoric has become more intense and the crowd continues to grow, there are no reports of violence, looting or physical confrontation yet.

Law enforcement – including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Tshwane Metro Police and Public Order Policing - remains on high alert, keeping a close watch as the march continues through the CBD.