Nationwide protests turn deadly as vigilante groups force mass exodus of foreign nationals
South Africa exploded in a wave of protests Tuesday as thousands took to the streets demanding undocumented foreigners leave the country, capping a weeks-long campaign that has already claimed four lives and sent more than 25,000 fleeing.
With soldiers deployed in major cities and police in riot gear patrolling the streets, demonstrators brandished sticks, spears, and whips some donning traditional warrior attire as they marched through Johannesburg and Durban.
“I hope through these demonstrations our president will hear our cries,” said Brightness Gumbi, 48, a protester who accused illegal foreigners of driving up rents and dealing drugs.
But the crackdown has come at a devastating cost.
A foreign national died Tuesday after allegedly jumping from an eighth-floor building in Durban, reportedly terrified of being chased. At least two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian, and a Malawian have been killed in recent weeks, police confirmed.
‘We Want Mass Deportation’
“Mass deportation!” chanted Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March and March anti-immigrant group, addressing a crowd in Durban. “For the next six months, we want the government to get rid of the people who have not left.”
The group set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to exit and they’re vowing weekly protests until November’s local elections.
Mass Exodus
Thousands of Malawians, Zimbabweans, Nigerians, and others have already fled some by repatriation flights arranged by their home governments, others through sheer terror.
“I thought I could stay, but neighbors warned us last night,” said Adam John, 32, waiting to leave Durban. “I felt it is better to try and get home while I still can.”
In Cape Town, a 23-year-old Zimbabwean woman waiting for help to go home told AFP: “The people in South Africa, they don’t want us here. I’m scared.”
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reported nearly 4,300 foreign nationals repatriated in recent days, with more than 400 deported.
A Nation on the Edge
South Africa one of Africa’s wealthiest nations is buckling under 30% unemployment, rampant crime, and crumbling services. Analysts say migrants are being scapegoated for government failures.
But for now, the message is clear: leave or else.
Previous anti-foreigner riots in 2008 left 62 people dead. This time, with soldiers patrolling Johannesburg and Durban overnight, the nation is bracing for what comes next.
