South Africa Mobilises Police Amid Nationwide Anti Immigration Protests

South African authorities deployed hundreds of police officers across major cities on Tuesday as thousands of people joined nationwide protests against illegal immigration, following an unofficial deadline set by activist groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. The government rejected the deadline as unlawful, stressing that only state authorities have the power to enforce immigration laws, while President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed for peaceful demonstrations.

The protests were organised by groups including March and March, Operation Dudula and Progressive Forces, which accuse undocumented migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Demonstrations were reported in Johannesburg, Durban, the North West, Free State and Eastern Cape provinces. Foreign owned shops remained closed in several areas amid fears of violence and looting.

Security was significantly reinforced after previous anti immigrant protests resulted in attacks on migrants, vandalism and property damage. Police warned that anyone engaging in violence, intimidation or destruction of property would face immediate legal action. Authorities said 195 people have already been arrested and 103 criminal cases registered since March in connection with anti migrant demonstrations.

The unrest has prompted thousands of migrants, mainly from Zimbabwe, Malawi and Nigeria, to seek assistance from their embassies or return home. Heavy traffic was reported at the Beitbridge border crossing with Zimbabwe, while thousands of Malawians left through a temporary repatriation centre in Durban. Reports also indicated hundreds of Nigerians had been flown home as fears of xenophobic violence intensified.

Critics argue that migrants are being unfairly blamed for South Africa's deep economic challenges, noting that there is limited evidence linking undocumented immigration to rising crime or unemployment. Human rights groups have urged the government to protect both documented and undocumented foreign nationals from violence and intimidation.