IN PICS | Torched cars, damaged businesses as anti-immigration protests rock Durban and Soweto

See the scenes from Durban and Soweto as anti-immigration protests escalated, with vehicles torched, businesses damaged and police deployed to contain the unrest.

Violent protests over immigration and asylum applications erupted in Durban and Soweto on Thursday, leaving 24 vehicles torched, businesses damaged and police on high alert amid fears of further unrest.

Many cars were burnt in Durban and Gauteng during unrest on Thursday. This was taken in the Durban CBD

The violence unfolded as demonstrators voiced opposition to the processing of asylum applications following a Constitutional Court ruling that removed certain procedural barriers preventing asylum seekers from having their claims assessed.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane warned that those responsible for violence and the destruction of property would be identified, investigated and arrested where sufficient evidence existed.

An injured man waits for medical assistance following violent unrest in the Durban CBD

Over 23 cars were set alight between Durban and Joburg on Thursday afternoon.

Violelnt protests erupted in parts of Gauteng and the Durban CBD over immigration and asylum applications