SA police fire tear gas to disperse anti-immigrant protesters

South African (SA) police have fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of citizens and non-nationals marching in the capital Pretoria.
 
A low-flying police helicopter has also been deployed amid a stand-off between local protesters and foreigners, with both groups reportedly armed with sticks, bricks and knives.

This follows the looting of stores believed to belong to immigrants.

Meanwhile, a group of marchers have presented a petition at the Home Affairs office.
  
Anti-immigrant violence has flared sporadically following near-record levels of unemployment, with foreigners being accused of taking jobs from citizens and getting involved in crime. 

Reports say in parts of the city, many shops are closed and streets are quiet.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS