Amnesty International South Africa called on the government Tuesday to stop vigilante groups unlawfully targeting migrants, business owners, and communities [1, 2].

The warning comes amid a surge of anti-migrant violence that threatens human rights and risks triggering a wider humanitarian crisis across the country [2, 3].

Shenilla Mohamed, the executive director of Amnesty International South Africa, said that the state must act decisively. Mohamed said that if the government does not do so, it will encourage further human rights violations [2].

The human rights group highlighted a rise in organized intimidation and vigilantism. This trend has manifested in various cities, including Durban, where a protest took place on April 21, 2026 [4].

These incidents have led to significant instability. More than 900 people were arrested during anti-migrant protests [5]. The scale of the violence has also resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of African migrants [6].

Doctors Without Borders has raised alarms regarding the situation. The organization said there are growing humanitarian needs as a result of the mass displacements [6].

"The state must stop vigilante groups that are unlawfully targeting migrants, business owners, and communities," Amnesty International South Africa said [1].

The organization is demanding that the government take immediate steps to protect vulnerable populations and ensure that those engaging in unlawful harassment are held accountable under the law [2].

“"The state must stop vigilante groups that are unlawfully targeting migrants, business owners, and communities."”

The escalation of vigilante activity in South Africa suggests a gap in state security and a rise in social volatility. By targeting not only migrants but also business owners, these groups are disrupting local economies and challenging the rule of law. The involvement of international bodies like Doctors Without Borders indicates that the situation has evolved from isolated protests into a systemic humanitarian issue requiring urgent state intervention.