South African authorities have arrested more than 900 people following nationwide anti-migrant protests that swept across the country, intensifying concerns over xenophobic violence and prompting thousands of foreign nationals to leave for neighboring countries and their homelands.
Police said Tuesday’s demonstrations were largely peaceful, but several incidents descended into violence, looting, and criminal activity, leading to widespread arrests and increased security deployments across multiple provinces.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili revealed that 120 marches took place nationwide, with 108 remaining peaceful while 12 required intervention from law enforcement officers. Those arrested included undocumented migrants accused of violating immigration laws, as well as individuals charged with public violence, robbery, and harboring undocumented immigrants.
Authorities deployed additional police personnel to five of South Africa’s nine provinces after isolated incidents of unrest and looting were reported overnight. Soldiers were also sent to Johannesburg’s Hillbrow district to assist police in maintaining order.
The protests were organized around an unofficial June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa. The demonstrations followed months of growing tensions that have drawn international criticism after migrants were reportedly forced from their homes and saw businesses and properties vandalized.
Groups such as Operation Dudula, March and March, and Progressive Forces have been among the most vocal advocates for stricter immigration enforcement. Protest leaders argue that illegal immigration contributes to crime, unemployment, drug trafficking, and pressure on public services.
One protest organizer, Ngizwe Mchunu, accused undocumented migration of fueling social and economic problems, calling on the government to prioritize South African citizens and tighten border controls.
However, human rights organizations have strongly rejected these claims. Amnesty International South Africa warned that migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are being unfairly blamed for challenges rooted in the country’s history of apartheid, persistent inequality, and governance failures.
The organization cautioned that misinformation and xenophobic rhetoric could further inflame tensions and lead to additional violence against foreign nationals. Amnesty argued that focusing blame on migrants distracts from the government’s responsibility to address unemployment, inequality, and strained public services.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with leaders of several anti-immigration groups ahead of the protests, urging demonstrators to conduct peaceful marches and avoid violence. Ramaphosa has repeatedly challenged assertions that migrants are responsible for the country’s economic and social difficulties.
Meanwhile, thousands of migrants have sought assistance from their embassies and consulates to return home. Many of those leaving South Africa are citizens of neighboring Zimbabwe and Malawi, while Nigerian authorities have also organized repatriation flights for citizens seeking to leave amid growing fears for their safety.
Traffic at the Beitbridge border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe has increased significantly as buses transport migrants out of the country. Malawi has also received thousands of returning nationals from temporary repatriation centers.
Nigeria confirmed that hundreds of its citizens have already been repatriated, including 271 people who arrived in Lagos on Tuesday. Officials say more flights are expected as demand for voluntary return continues to rise.
Many migrants say they are leaving because they no longer feel safe. Nigerian national Emmanuella Akagbosun, who had lived in South Africa since 2017, said she fled after anti-migrant protesters allegedly looted the shop she operated with her sister.
Another repatriated Nigerian, Fintan Opara, said many foreign nationals now feel unwelcome in the country despite having lived and worked there for years.
The protests and resulting migration exodus have reignited debate over immigration, economic hardship, and social cohesion in South Africa, with authorities facing increasing pressure to maintain public order while protecting vulnerable communities from violence and discrimination.
