Police launch probe after anti‑migrant leader shot in Gauteng

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:48:08 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Special police team investigates the killing of Andile Somgxada, March and March’s Gauteng head, amid rising anti‑migration protests in South Africa.

A special police unit has begun an inquiry into the July shooting of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the provincial leader of the anti‑migrant movement March and March. Sources say the murder was a retaliation after the group urged undocumented migrants to leave the country, sparking fears of broader violence. Acting Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has announced a multidisciplinary team will seek to identify the perpetrators and ensure accountability, as South Africa intensifies its migration‑management campaign. The incident highlights a wider backdrop of xenophobic tensions and recent incidents of intimidation and vandalism, prompting the government to underscore that immigration duties are held only by state representatives. Meanwhile, several African governments have rolled out repatriation flights to reduce foreign nationals in South Africa.

Police launch probe after anti‑migrant leader shot in Gauteng

Acting Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has announced a multidisciplinary team will seek to identify the perpetrators and ensure accountability, as South Africa intensifies its migration‑management campaign. The incident highlights a wider backdrop of xenophobic tensions and recent incidents of intimidation and vandalism, prompting the government to underscore that immigration duties are held only by state representatives.

The murder comes amid a surge of anti‑migration protests that have seen demonstrators set an unofficial deadline of 30‑June for migrants without papers to leave the country. Since the campaign began, the government has deported more than 53,000 foreign nationals, while the number of undocumented migrants remains unclear.

Several African governments—including Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda—have organized voluntary repatriation flights or bus services. Nigeria’s last flight under this scheme landed in Lagos on 7 July carrying 306 passengers.

Policemen in black anti‑riot vests have been seen walking with anti‑migrant protesters demanding better business opportunities for South Africans in bellville.