Thousands of anti-migrant protesters march in South Africa amid heavy police presence

Thousands of people took to the streets in South Africa's major cities, participating in anti-migrant protests that called for the expulsion of all undocumented foreigners. The demonstrations were met with a heavy police presence, supported by private security guards, amid concerns that the protests could escalate into violence. Anti-migrant groups had previously set a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

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happy to be going back

The situation has already led to many foreign nationals fleeing to escape intimidation and potential violence. South African police reported that approximately 25,000 undocumented migrants have been repatriated so far, with the majority originating from other African nations. One Malawian national, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed mixed feelings about his return, stating he was "happy to be going back" but "heartbroken" to leave his four young children behind.

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heartbroken

While the Ministry of Police characterized the protests as largely peaceful across the country, isolated incidents of looting and violence were reported. Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that the army was placed on standby in parts of Johannesburg and Durban as a contingency measure. In Hillbrow, a Johannesburg suburb with a significant migrant population, police arrested three individuals after they allegedly opened fire on protesters, who then retaliated by torching the suspects' vehicle. A 17-year-old was among those injured.

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on a contingency basis

Protesters also engaged in acts of vandalism, throwing bricks and breaking windows of homes in Yeoville, an area known for its African migrant residents. Shops in the city center remained closed, and police maintained a high visibility on major thoroughfares. In Germiston, demonstrators reportedly went door-to-door, evicting residents suspected of being foreign nationals and handing them over to police for documentation checks. Several arrests were made in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal province for alleged looting, assault, and intimidation.

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opened fire at protesters who were passing through the street