Johannesburg, South Africa — in a Series of Anti-migrant Protests That Swept Across South Africa, Authorities Have Reported Over 900 Arrests.
The demonstrations, organized by a coalition of over 20 civil society groups, were aimed at undocumented immigrants and marked an unofficial ‘deadline’for their departure from the country.
The protests, which began in March 2026, have been a source of growing tension in South Africa, where concerns have been raised about the impact of undocumented immigrants on public services and the economy. Out of the 120 marches held, 108 were peaceful, while 12 resulted in clashes with police and required intervention.
The Western Cape recorded the highest number of arrests, with 215, followed by the Eastern Cape with 208. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns raised by the protesters about illegal immigration, border management, and the pressure on public services.
However, he emphasized that unlawful behavior, such as looting and violence, would not be tolerated.
The protests followed months of unrest that have drawn international criticism. Foreigners have been driven from their homes, and their businesses and property have been vandalized.
The most prominent groups opposing illegal immigration include March and March, Operation Dudula, and Progressive Forces. While most of the protests were peaceful, the violence that erupted during some of the marches raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) deployed police reinforcements across five of the country’s nine provinces overnight to respond to isolated incidents of looting and criminality.
The protests have sparked a national debate on immigration policies and have highlighted the complexities of managing a diverse and multicultural society.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: AFP and Reuters
