South African Police Arrest More Than 900 During Anti-Migrant Protests
Ahead of the demonstrations, President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest organizers in an effort to prevent violence and maintain public order.
South African police officers monitor anti-migrant protests after authorities arrested more than 900 people during nationwide demonstrations that turned violent in some areas, leaving one person dead and several others injured. Photo / Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
South African police arrested more than 900 people during nationwide anti-migrant protests that were largely peaceful but turned violent in some areas, resulting in looting, injuries and one death, authorities said Wednesday.
The demonstrations, held Tuesday, were organized by a coalition of more than 20 civil society organizations, including the March and March movement. Protesters sought to pressure the government to crack down on undocumented immigration, marking what organizers described as an unofficial deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said police monitored 120 protest marches across South Africa, with 108 proceeding peacefully while officers intervened in 12 where violence or criminal activity occurred.
Mosikili said the 900-plus arrests were linked to offenses including public violence, robbery and violations of immigration laws.
The Western Cape recorded the highest number of arrests at 215, followed by the Eastern Cape with 208.
Ahead of the demonstrations, President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest organizers in an effort to prevent violence and maintain public order.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public concern over illegal immigration, border security and pressure on public services.
“South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services. These concerns are real, and they deserve to be heard,” the president said.
However, Ramaphosa warned against acts of vigilantism, saying individuals must not take the law into their own hands.
“Whatever the motivation, taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism and has no place in our constitutional democracy,” he said.
Despite the appeal for calm, isolated incidents of violence were reported.
In Johannesburg’s Alexandra township, police said one person was shot dead during the looting of foreign-owned informal convenience stores, commonly known as spaza shops.
Security was also reinforced in Johannesburg’s Hillbrow district after a separate shooting left two people injured, including a 17-year-old.
In the coastal city of Durban, thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets chanting “Abahambe!” meaning “They must go!”
March and March movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma told supporters that weekly demonstrations would continue until the government strengthens border controls and addresses concerns over undocumented migration.
Human rights organizations condemned attacks targeting migrants, arguing that foreign nationals are being unfairly blamed for broader economic and social challenges.
Amnesty International South Africa said migrants have become scapegoats for problems including high unemployment, poverty and delays in the country’s asylum system.
The protests have reignited debate over immigration policy in South Africa, which has long attracted migrants from across Africa seeking employment and safety.
Analysts say while concerns over border management and public services remain significant political issues, authorities face the challenge of balancing immigration enforcement with constitutional protections and human rights obligations.
Police said investigations into the violence are continuing and urged the public to report criminal activity while allowing law enforcement agencies to maintain order.
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