South Africa on Edge: Police Mobilised as Migrant Protests Sweep Cities

Sun Sep 06 2026 08:59:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Heavy police presence in South Africa as anti‑migrant protests erupt, leader calls for calm, and thousands being repatriated.

Police officers have been deployed across South Africa to curb rising anti‑immigration protests that risk violent outbreaks. President Cyril Ramaphosa urged demonstrators to remain peaceful, warning that protests should not turn into intimidation or vandalism. Over 25,000 undocumented migrants have already been repatriated, and about 50,000 have been arrested since the start of the year. Protesters, including members of Operation Dudula, demand swift enforcement of a set deadline for migrants to leave, while some foreigners express solidarity and fear for their safety. Key hotspots such as Durban, Johannesburg, and Soweto have seen shops closed and intense security presence amid the unfolding tensions.

Police officers have been deployed across South Africa, fearing the anti‑immigration protests might turn violent.

The demonstrations aim to force undocumented foreigners to leave by an unofficial deadline set by protest organizers.

In Johannesburg, city centre shops are closed and officers are visible on major streets. Authorities have already arrested several protestors in Soweto and a shop in Hammarsdale for alleged looting and breaking in.

President Cyril Ramaphosa met some protest leaders the night before the marches, urging them to refrain from intimidation and threats, and stressing the need for lawful immigration reforms.

Many migrants, especially Malawians in Durban, have lined up to board buses back home, voicing both heartache at leaving children behind and calls for unity among all African states.

For more updates, follow BBCAfrica.com and join us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.