Special police unit takes on murder of anti‑migrant leader

A special unit has started an investigation after Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the Gauteng leader of the anti‑migrant movement March & March, was shot outside his Johannesburg home.

He was killed a few days later, and the movement’s spokesperson said the killing was a retaliation for their campaign calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

Police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane has set up a multidisciplinary team to get to grips with the case, promising a thorough inquiry and accountability.

South Africa’s migration debate has already seen protests, intimidation and even deaths, as the government pushes a “migration management” drive that has seen over 53,000 foreigners deported in five weeks.

March & March has organised nationwide demonstrations, issued an unofficial deadline of 30 June for exit, and faced threats against its leaders. The violence and intimidation underscore deep xenophobia in the country.

The investigation is a warning to those who use intimidation or violence against foreign nationals, as police will enforce the law equally for all.

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