900+ Arrested in South Africa Anti-Migrant Protests
Over 900 Arrested During Nationwide Anti-Migrant Protests in South Africa - September 2026
Latest Update September 2026 - South African police arrested more than 900 people during nationwide anti-migrant protests that were mostly peaceful but at times turned violent, with shops looted.
Of 120 marches, 108 were peaceful while 12 required police intervention, deputy national police commissioner Tebello Mosikili said.
Reasons for arrests ranged from immigration violations to public violence, harbouring undocumented migrants and robbery.
What Happened?
- Protests organized to mark a "deadline" anti-immigrant movement set for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa
- One person shot dead in Alexandra township, Johannesburg - looting of spaza shops owned by foreign nationals
- Two people injured in shooting in Hillbrow, soldiers deployed
- Foreign national died in Durban after allegedly jumping from 8th floor building fearing targeting
- Government announced arrest of 7,400 undocumented migrants in past month, total 40,000 for 2026 to date
President Ramaphosa Response
“Vigilantism has no place here. The right to protest does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.” - President Cyril Ramaphosa
“The painful history of the pass laws reminds us why the authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the constitution — not to private individuals.”
Labour Groups Also Protest
Organised labour has served Nedlac with section 77 notices over rising medical aid costs, protecting jobs in smelter industry and water and electricity challenges. Fedusa and Cosatu leading protest action.
Source: Polity.org.za, BusinessDay, SAPS briefing September 2026
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