More Than 900 Arrested as South Africa’s Anti-Migrant Protests Trigger Unrest

Johannesburg-South African police said on Wednesday that more than 900 people were arrested during nationwide anti-migrant protests, as largely peaceful demonstrations in several areas were marred by isolated incidents of violence, looting and criminal activity.

Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said authorities monitored 120 protest marches on Tuesday, of which 108 remained peaceful while police intervened in 12 demonstrations following outbreaks of unrest.

According to Mosikili, those arrested included undocumented migrants accused of violating immigration laws as well as individuals detained on charges including public violence, harboring undocumented migrants and robbery.

Police reinforced security operations overnight by deploying additional personnel to five of South Africa’s nine provinces to respond to isolated incidents of looting and other criminal activity linked to the demonstrations.

The South African National Defence Force also deployed soldiers to Johannesburg’s Hillbrow district to assist police in maintaining public order.

The nationwide protests were organized by an anti-immigration movement that had declared Tuesday as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.

The demonstrations followed months of growing tensions that have drawn international criticism after foreign nationals were forced from their homes and businesses, with reports of vandalism and attacks targeting migrant-owned properties.

Authorities have not reported widespread disruption beyond the isolated incidents, and police said security operations remain in place to prevent further unrest.