South African Police Report on Nationwide Immigration Protests
On Wednesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued a statement summarising the events of the previous day’s nationwide demonstrations against undocumented immigration. According to the police, while the overwhelming majority of participants exercised their constitutional right to protest peacefully, isolated incidents of looting and criminal activity were recorded across several provinces.
Overview of the Protests
The coordinated marches took place on Tuesday, drawing thousands of demonstrators who called for stricter measures against illegal immigration. The protests followed a week‑long campaign led by various civil‑society groups that urged undocumented immigrants to leave the country by 30 June.
SAPS Acting National Commissioner Tebello Mosikili emphasised that “South Africans have exercised their constitutional right and the overwhelming majority have done so peacefully, responsibly and within the prescribed laws.”[1]
Police Response and Arrest Statistics
In response to the unrest, police were deployed to protest hotspots and reinforcements were sent overnight to Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu‑Natal, Free State and Western Cape. By the end of the day, approximately 900 individuals had been arrested. The majority of those detained were undocumented foreigners, alongside South African nationals accused of looting.
- Gauteng – heightened presence in Johannesburg and Pretoria
- Eastern Cape – patrols in Port Elizabeth and East London
- KwaZulu‑Natal – monitoring in Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- Free State – presence in Bloemfontein
- Western Cape – deployments in Cape Town and surrounding areas
Impact on Businesses and Communities
Several businesses believed to be owned by foreign nationals were targeted for looting and vandalism. Store owners reported losses running into the millions of rand, with many expressing uncertainty about reopening.
In Johannesburg’s Alexandra township, a man was shot dead during a looting incident at a shop operated by a foreign national. SAPS confirmed that the killing is under investigation as part of the broader probe into protest‑related violence.[2]
Official Statements and Expert Analysis
Beyond the police commentary, analysts from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) noted that while the protests highlighted genuine public concerns about immigration, the outbreaks of looting risk undermining the legitimacy of the movement.[3] ISS researcher Dr. Lindiwe Mokgosi added that “addressing the root causes of economic insecurity, rather than resorting to targeted attacks on foreign‑owned businesses, is essential for sustainable social cohesion.”
Context: Immigration Debate in South Africa
South Africa hosts an estimated 4 million undocumented migrants, many of whom come from neighbouring Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho. The issue has become a recurring flashpoint in public discourse, with periodic calls for tighter border controls and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Recent surveys by the Afrobarometer indicate that roughly 42 % of South Africans view illegal immigration as a major national challenge, while a similar proportion advocate for humanitarian approaches that protect migrants’ rights.[4]
Looking Ahead
SAPS has pledged to maintain a visible presence in areas prone to unrest and to work with community leaders to prevent further violence. Authorities also announced plans to review the effectiveness of current immigration policies in consultation with the Department of Home Affairs and civil‑society stakeholders.
As the situation develops, continued dialogue between government, law‑enforcement, and affected communities will be crucial to balancing public safety with the constitutional rights to peaceful protest and freedom of movement.
References
- [1] South African Police Service. “Statement on Nationwide Protests – 26 September 2025.” SAPS Official Website. saps.gov.za
- [2] Reuters. “Man shot dead during looting in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township.” 26 September 2025. reuters.com
- [3] Institute for Security Studies. “Protests, Looting and Immigration: Understanding the Dynamics of South Africa’s Anti‑Immigration Demonstrations.” ISS Policy Brief, October 2025.
- [4] Afrobarometer. “Round 9 Survey: Attitudes Toward Immigration in South Africa.” Afrobarometer Data Release, September 2025.
