South African anti-migrant group, March and March, has confirmed the death of its Gauteng regional leader, Andile Somgxada, who was shot in what the organization described as an assassination.
According to reports, Somgxada was attacked while leaving his home earlier this month and died from his injuries last Thursday. His death was publicly confirmed on Monday.
The group’s spokesperson, Sandile Dube, said some of its leaders had been receiving death threats because of the organization’s stance against illegal migration.
He said the threats had been reported in several parts of South Africa, including Ekurhuleni, where the slain leader was based.
South Africa Repatriates Over 53,000 Migrants
The development comes as South African authorities intensify efforts to tackle illegal migration.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the country deported or repatriated more than 53,000 African migrants within one month.
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According to the minister, more than 80 per cent of those returned to their home countries were from Malawi.
Officials did not specify how many migrants were deported and how many chose voluntary repatriation.
Tensions over Immigration Persist
The crackdown has coincided with protests against illegal migration, some of which turned violent.
Nigeria, Ghana, and Mozambique have reported that some of their citizens were killed during the unrest. However, South African authorities have rejected claims linking the deaths directly to the anti-illegal migration protests.
Several African countries have provided transport, including aircraft and buses, to evacuate their nationals from South Africa as anti-immigrant sentiment continues to grow.
Officials said most of those repatriated were from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, while others were citizens of Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced measures to tighten border security and strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws, while acknowledging growing public concern over illegal migration.
Source: TRT Afrika and agencies.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.