Anti-immigration protesters in Johannesburg went door-to-door on July 9, 2024, to force undocumented foreign nationals from their homes [1].
The events signal a dangerous escalation in xenophobic violence where civilians are attempting to enforce immigration laws through physical intimidation. This shift toward organized, door-to-door evictions threatens the safety of thousands of foreign nationals living in urban centers.
Protesters wielded sticks to remove individuals from their residences and subsequently handed them over to police [1, 2]. The groups targeted undocumented immigrants based on the belief that these foreign nationals are taking jobs and resources from local citizens [2, 3].
The violence has resulted in several deaths. Reports indicate that two Mozambican nationals, one Malawian, and one Ethiopian died [1].
Government efforts to manage the surge in undocumented residents have led to large-scale processing. Close to 54,000 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or repatriation [1]. Of those processed, more than 80% are Malawian [1].
The unrest follows weeks of tension in the region. Protesters have focused their efforts on identifying undocumented residents to accelerate their removal from the country [2, 3].
“Protesters wielded sticks to remove individuals from their residences”
The transition from street protests to targeted door-to-door evictions suggests a breakdown in local security and a rise in vigilante justice. By coordinating with police to hand over evicted individuals, protesters are attempting to legitimize illegal removals, creating a volatile environment for any non-citizen regardless of their legal status.
