Police Mobilized Amid Large Protests Against Illegal Immigration in South Africa
Thousands of police officers were sent out across South Africa on Tuesday as massive protests erupted over illegal immigration, leading to clashes in various cities. The demonstrations came ahead of a June 30 deadline set by some groups urging the removal of all undocumented migrants.
Many of the protesters are unemployed or struggling South Africans who believe that migrants are taking jobs and contributing to rising crime rates. Reports indicate that at least four people lost their lives amidst the chaos and looting that spread across the nation.
The protests mark a significant resurgence of unrest related to immigration, reminiscent of violent protests that took place in South Africa back in 2008. Many foreign nationals from surrounding African countries had already left the area before the unofficial deadline, but tensions remain high.
Reports highlighted instances of vandalism against businesses and properties, with some shop owners opting to close their doors and foreign workers choosing to stay home as a precaution. Witnesses claimed that landlords in cities like Durban and Johannesburg were unlawfully evicting foreign tenants to avoid disturbances, while around 100 Congolese nationals were spotted sleeping on the streets in Durban.
Though many demonstrations were peaceful, police made several arrests related to looting and utilized rubber bullets to disperse crowds where necessary. In Soweto, protesters vandalized homes of foreign nationals, and in Thembisa, stones were thrown at police and suspected migrants, accompanied by sporadic gunfire.
In Benoni, east of Johannesburg, police used tactical vehicles in response to a large group of around 500 protesters. To ensure order, thousands of police officers were deployed across the country, with the military standing by for potential unrest. Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned against any law-breaking plans for the following day.
One of the leading activist groups behind the protests, known as “March and March,” stated that they cannot be responsible for unexpected violence during demonstrations. Jacinta Ngobese, a leader of the group, articulated their demand for the removal of illegal immigrants, stating that weekly protests would continue until their goals are achieved despite government reluctance to enforce immigration laws.
Despite the unrest, South Africa continues to be a major economic hub in Africa, attracting a diverse immigrant population estimated to be around 3 million, roughly 4% of the nation’s total.
