Acting National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane is set to visit Orlando West, Soweto, on Thursday evening following unrest where 10 vehicles were torched amid protests linked to South Africa’s asylum system. The violence erupted on 8 October 2026 near the Department of Home Affairs office, with similar unrest also reported in Durban where 14 vehicles were destroyed.
Police confirmed that three suspects had been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal in connection with the violence, while arrests in Gauteng were still underway. Lt-Gen Dimpane pledged to pursue all individuals responsible for the destruction.
“Those who are behind the torching of these vehicles will be pursued and will be captured,” said Dimpane, highlighting SAPS’s commitment to restoring order.
The unrest followed a July ruling by South Africa’s Constitutional Court which removed procedural barriers that previously restricted access to the asylum process. The court’s decision allows asylum seekers to apply despite irregular entry, missing a transit visa, or reporting late to authorities.
Government spokesperson William Baloyi clarified that the ruling does not automatically grant refugee status, permanent residence, or any other rights to undocumented migrants.
“The court decision was widely misrepresented, and it did not automatically grant refugee status, permanent residence or other legal rights to undocumented migrants,” Baloyi said in a statement.
The government’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration emphasised that all asylum claims must still be assessed through the legal process, despite the removal of administrative barriers.
The unrest disrupted daily life in Soweto’s Orlando West, forcing some shops to close and causing damage to public and private property. The exact sequence of events and full extent of damage are still being confirmed. Reports of gunfire and looting were mentioned by some sources but lack independent verification.
The acting police commissioner’s visit aims to assess police deployments and improve security in the affected areas in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Enhanced policing is expected as authorities seek to prevent further violence.
This situation remains fluid, with police investigations ongoing and community tensions high. CapeFlats.co.za will provide updates as more verified information emerges.