Heavy security has been deployed across South Africa ahead of planned nationwide anti-immigration protests, amid fears that the demonstrations could turn violent.

The protests coincide with an unofficial deadline issued by campaigners demanding that all undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to demonstrators to exercise restraint, urging them to protest peacefully without resorting to violence or intimidation. On the eve of the marches, he also met with some of the protest leaders in an effort to ease tensions and prevent unrest.

Police officers and private security personnel have been stationed in major cities as authorities prepare for coordinated protests in Johannesburg, Durban and other parts of the country.

Many undocumented migrants have already left the country or moved into temporary transit camps to avoid possible attacks. According to South African police, about 25,000 undocumented migrants have so far been repatriated, with most returning to other African countries.

One undocumented Malawian, who spoke to the BBC, said he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind his four young children.

In Johannesburg, where one of the demonstrations is taking place, the city remained unusually quiet on Tuesday. Businesses around the designated protest routes stayed closed, while police maintained a visible presence across major roads.

Despite concerns over violence, the Ministry of Police said the demonstrations were largely peaceful nationwide, although isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting were reported.

Police also confirmed the arrest of five suspects in Soweto for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop. Another five people were arrested in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal Province, over the alleged break-in of a tuck shop.

Authorities also reported that about 10 people were arrested for looting in KwaZulu-Natal, while a woman was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer and a man for alleged intimidation following reports that a foreign national had been assaulted.

In Johannesburg’s Yeoville suburb, where many African migrants live, some protesters reportedly threw bricks, damaging the windows of several homes.

Several businesses in central Durban also shut their doors ahead of the demonstrations, while a police helicopter monitored parts of the city from the air.

President Ramaphosa has repeatedly acknowledged the need for immigration reforms but warned against targeting law-abiding migrants.

“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully,” he wrote in his weekly newsletter.

“They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.

“The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” he added.

Official figures show that South Africa is home to more than three million documented foreign nationals.

Thousands of migrants have spent several weeks in temporary camps while awaiting processing, fearing attacks linked to the protests.

In Durban, where some of the largest demonstrations have been planned, authorities have begun dismantling transit camps occupied mainly by Malawian nationals as evacuation efforts continue.

Women carrying their belongings queued to board buses returning to Malawi.

One migrant, Nelson Mbewe, said he travelled to South Africa in search of work to support his family.

“But we’ve faced challenges – they’re saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents,” he said.

“They say we are Makwerekwere”—a derogatory term commonly used against African migrants from other countries.

“It’s their country, so what can we do? That’s why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home.”

Another Malawian migrant, Hassan Phiri, appealed for unity across the continent.

“All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa.

“Africa can’t be Africa without South Africa… without Malawi, without anywhere,” he said, adding, “So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa.”

Authorities have approved anti-migrant marches in Durban, Johannesburg and several other cities while warning organisers that violence will not be tolerated.

Police also cautioned that traditional weapons would not be allowed during the demonstrations. The restriction could create tension since many of the protesters are ethnic Zulus who traditionally carry shields, sticks and whips during public marches.

The South African government said more than 12,000 undocumented migrants have been deported or repatriated since anti-migrant protests intensified earlier this year.

Countries including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have also organised voluntary repatriation programmes by air and road, with about 3,500 migrants choosing to return home.

South African authorities claim that more than 500 Nigerians repatriated lacked proper immigration documents, a claim the Nigerian government has disputed.

Xenophobic attacks have remained a recurring issue in South Africa for years, occasionally resulting in deadly violence.

According to the African Centre for Migration and Society’s Xenowatch tracker, two people have been killed in xenophobic-related incidents this year.

In 2008, one of the country’s worst outbreaks of xenophobic violence left more than 60 people dead during attacks targeting foreign nationals.