Police units deployed across South Africa before anti-immigration marches
Government fears repeat of anti-migrant violence in 2008 that led to looting and resulted in deaths of 62 people
TL;DR
- Police and military assets deployed across South African towns and cities ahead of anti-immigration demonstrations.
- Protests organized by vigilante groups like March and March, demanding undocumented foreigners leave by June 30.
- Concerns of mass-scale looting and mob violence, referencing the 2008 anti-migrant riots and 2021 unrest.
- Reports of migrants being interrogated and beaten in Johannesburg and Durban; five Mozambican nationals killed.
- Foreign-born migrants constitute an estimated 4% of South Africa's population, often working in the informal sector.
- Authorities accused of a meek response to violence, despite President Ramaphosa condemning intolerance.
- Several governments, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda, have repatriated citizens due to the situation.