South Africa anti-immigrant protests turn to looting and arrests as thousands flee
Thousands marched across South Africa on June 30 after an ultimatum for undocumented foreigners to leave expired, leading to looting, 900 arrests, and an exodus of tens of thousands of migrants.
Protests and confrontations
About 120 demonstrations were held nationwide, with large gatherings in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. A heavy police and military deployment prevented a repeat of the deadly 2021 riots, but in Clermont, on the outskirts of Durban, protesters looted shops selling food, electronics, and clothing. "They just started stealing," said Mohamed Abdul, a Somali shopkeeper who lost his livelihood. "I was scared and felt betrayed." Police reported 900 arrests, some for looting.
A climate of violence
The marches follow months of escalating xenophobia. Since April, at least five migrants have been killed in attacks, including Mishack Banda, a 29-year-old Malawian whose mutilated body was found near a river on June 19. In Mossel Bay, five Mozambicans were killed and 50 shacks burned. Organizers like Sanele Khambule argue they are targeting illegal immigrants because of "crimes committed by illegal immigrants and the strain on infrastructure and public health systems."
We are marching not only because of illegal immigration, but also because of the crimes committed by illegal immigrants in our country and the strain on infrastructure and public health systems.
Exodus of migrants
Fearful of further violence, tens of thousands of foreigners have fled. In recent days, an estimated 13,000 people left, including 9,000 Malawians, 3,000 Zimbabweans, 900 Ghanaians, and 300 Nigerians. Thousands more remain in reception centres awaiting repatriation. South Africa has deported over 25,000 individuals in recent months.
- Malawi
- 9000 people
- Zimbabwe
- 3000 people
- Ghana
- 900 people
- Nigeria
- 300 people
What comes next
The government insists most marches were peaceful and that security forces contained the trouble. Yet the movement shows no sign of abating: organizers announced weekly marches every Thursday for the next six months.
With unemployment at 32.7% and public services under strain, the populist anti-migrant campaign has tapped deep frustrations.It’s time we take the issue of illegal immigrants seriously and ensure our country recovers.
- At least five migrants killed in xenophobic attacks since April
- Body of Malawian Mishack Banda found near a river
- Ultimatum expires; nationwide protests, 900 arrests, looting in Durban
- Weekly Thursday marches announced for six months; 13,000 migrants reported to have fled
