South African protesters go door-to-door evicting immigrants

Anti-immigration protesters in Johannesburg seized foreigners from their homes on Thursday and handed them to police, escalating a wave of xenophobic demonstrations across South Africa.

In the Alexandra township, a Reuters reporter witnessed protesters breaking down doors and entering houses where they suspected undocumented immigrants were hiding. The group escorted the people to police vans waiting outside.

Among those taken away was a woman and a small child from Malawi. Another apprehended man told Reuters he was in the country legally.

“I am a ZEP holder,” said the Zimbabwean national, Total Mhlanga, referring to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit that allows tens of thousands of nationals to live and work in South Africa.

In Soweto, demonstrators marched with sticks and flags, planning to search for undocumented immigrants. Similar flyers advertised a “peaceful march” followed by “door to door” operations, while another protest occurred in Durban on the east coast.

South Africa, with millions unemployed, has seen rising anti-immigrant sentiment in recent months. It culminated in nationwide protests on June 30, an informal deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, former radio presenter and prominent movement leader, declared that protests would occur every Thursday until demands are met. Her group, March and March, blames undocumented immigrants for economic woes.

The organisation demands tighter border controls, mass deportation, and prioritising South Africans in schools and health centres. “We are walking around doing door to door removing foreigners,” said community leader Bongani Msomi at the Alexandra march.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against scapegoating immigrants for deep-rooted problems. His government stressed that citizens have no right to enforce immigration laws themselves.

Police have increased arrests of undocumented migrants and deployed officers during marches for safety. A Johannesburg police spokesperson was not immediately available for comment on Thursday’s events.

Malawi’s government said over 38,000 citizens returned from South Africa recently due to safety concerns. More than 60,000 have also repatriated to neighbouring Zimbabwe.

The developments resonate across Africa, including Ghana, where leaders have long championed pan-African solidarity and welcomed migrants under initiatives like the Year of Return. Observers say such xenophobic acts strain continental unity and remind Ghana of the need to protect human rights for all.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE