South Africa police arrest over 900 amid nationwide anti‑migrant protests

South African police detained more than 900 people during a series of anti‑migrant demonstrations across the country. Authorities monitored 120 marches; 108 were classified as peaceful while police intervened in 12, citing public violence, robbery, and immigration violations. In Johannesburg’s Alexandra township, a shooting during a looting incident left one person dead, and two people were wounded in a separate gunfire episode in Hillbrow, prompting the deployment of additional officers and troops in five provinces.

President Cyril Ramaphosa convened an emergency meeting with protest organizers, acknowledging public concerns over illegal immigration, border management, and pressure on public services, while warning against vigilantism. ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula later praised the police for maintaining order and reiterated that immigration enforcement is the sole responsibility of the state. Analysts warned that the protests, though largely peaceful, underscore deeper economic stresses, high unemployment, and food inflation that continue to threaten South Africa’s stability.