Earlier, xenophobic attacks were carried out on migrants, including Bangladeshis, in Bloemfontein in 2008, 2012, and 2019.
Quoting local authorities, news portal The South African reported that at least 70 people were arrested between last Wednesday and May 16, when the protests began against raw sewage flowing on the streets, poor sanitation, lack of public toilets, unfinished local government projects and public representatives indulging in corruption.
The tragic killing of a juvenile, who was allegedly shot by a security guard, further intensified the protests.
Last Wednesday, Free State Police Spokesperson Brig Motantsi Makhele said officers deployed in Mangaung made several arrests as the looting and vandalism of foreigner-owned shops continued in the area, said the report.