Full Breakdown
Door-to-Door Raids Escalate Anti-Immigrant Protests in South Africa
7/10/2026, 2:17:33 PM
Door-to-Door Raids Escalate Anti-Immigrant Protests
On July 9, 2026, groups of anti-immigration activists in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township broke down doors, entered homes they believed housed undocumented migrants, and escorted the occupants to police vans. Among those taken were a woman and a small child from Malawi. Similar door-to-door searches were reported in Soweto, where protesters wielded sticks and flags, and in Durban on the east coast. The actions followed flyers advertising a “peaceful march” followed by “door to door” searches.
Background: Unofficial June 30 Deadline and the Rise of “March and March”
In recent months, South Africa’s high unemployment has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment. An informal deadline of June 30 was set by anti-immigration groups, demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. Former radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the “March and March” movement, announced that protests would continue every Thursday until their demands—tighter border controls, mass deportations, and priority for South Africans in schools and health centres—were met.
Government Response and Law Enforcement
President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that citizens have no right to take immigration enforcement into their own hands and cautioned against scapegoating immigrants for the nation’s deep-rooted problems. In response, police have increased arrests of undocumented migrants and deployed officers to protect both protesters and residents during recent marches. A Johannesburg police spokesperson was not immediately available for comment on the specific incidents.
Data on Repatriations
The government of Malawi reported that over 38,000 of its citizens have returned from South Africa in recent weeks due to safety concerns. Neighboring Zimbabwe has seen more than 60,000 of its nationals repatriated in the same period.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am a ZEP holder,” — Total Mhlanga, Zimbabwean national (referring to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit)
- “We are walking around doing door to door removing foreigners,” — Bongani Msomi, community leader, Alexandra township
