VIDEO: Thousands Flood South African Streets As Anti-Immigration Protests Escalate

Thousands of protesters took to the streets across South Africa on Tuesday to demand the removal of undocumented migrants, as security agencies mounted a heavy presence to prevent the demonstrations from turning violent.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The protests came after anti-immigration groups issued an unofficial June 30 deadline, calling on undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, a move that has heightened fears among migrant communities, including Nigerians.

Videos shared on social media showed large crowds marching through parts of Johannesburg, chanting slogans and demanding stricter action against illegal immigration.

According to the BBC, law enforcement agencies deployed officers in several cities amid concerns that the demonstrations could trigger unrest or xenophobic attacks.

Before the protests began, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed for calm, urging demonstrators to exercise restraint and avoid intimidation, threats or issuing ultimatums. While acknowledging public concerns about immigration, he said any reforms should be pursued peacefully.

Although the protests were largely peaceful in most areas, the BBC reported isolated incidents of violence and looting.

In Johannesburg, commercial activities slowed considerably as many businesses remained closed while police maintained a visible presence in key parts of the city.

In Yeoville, a suburb known for its large migrant population, some protesters reportedly hurled bricks at residential buildings, damaging several windows.

Police also confirmed the arrest of five suspects in Soweto over the alleged looting of a shop owned by a foreign national. Another five individuals were arrested in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, in connection with the alleged burglary of a tuck shop.

The demonstrations have also increased anxiety among members of the Nigerian community living in South Africa.

On the eve of the protests, dozens of Nigerians gathered at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, expressing fears that the demonstrations could escalate into xenophobic attacks.

While some said they felt safer remaining within the embassy premises, others who had enrolled for the Federal Government’s voluntary evacuation programme complained that they had not been included on the latest return flight.

The BBC also reported that many undocumented migrants had already fled their communities to avoid possible violence and harassment. South African authorities disclosed that approximately 25,000 undocumented migrants, most of them from other African countries, have been repatriated.

One undocumented Malawian preparing to return home told the broadcaster that although he was relieved to be leaving safely, he was deeply saddened by the prospect of leaving behind his four young children.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has continued its evacuation exercise for citizens willing to return home.

On Tuesday, another batch of 271 Nigerians arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg.

The returnees were welcomed by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The latest evacuation forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians choosing to leave South Africa as tensions surrounding anti-immigration protests continue.