Tensions flared in Villiersdorp on Wednesday after a crowd of more than 150 people demanding the removal of foreign nationals turned on businesses, looting at least 18 foreign-owned spaza shops.

Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, said the gathering began at the Goniwe Park taxi rank, where demonstrators called on police to assist in evicting foreign nationals from the area.

” It was not long after that when the crowd dispersed into smaller groups. They then went on a rampage and the property of the foreign nationals was targeted and looted.”

Police and other law enforcement agencies managed to stabilise the situation before the violence escalated further.

Nine people have since been arrested. Eight face charges of public violence, while another was arrested for possession of presumed stolen property.

“They are due to appear in the Caledon Magistrate’s Court once charged,” Van Wyk confirmed.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions following anti-illegal immigration protests in several parts of the country, with law enforcement remaining on high alert over concerns that similar incidents could occur elsewhere.