Special police team to investigate killing of an anti-migrant leader in South Africa

A special police team has launched an investigation into the killing of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the provincial leader of the anti-migrant group March and March in South Africa. The incident occurred earlier this month when Somgxada was shot outside his home east of Johannesburg. He succumbed to his injuries several days later while receiving treatment in hospital. According to officials, the killing took place amid heightened tensions over migration policies and the presence of undocumented immigrants in the country. The anti-migrant group, March and March, has been actively organizing protests demanding the deportation of undocumented migrants. Its provincial leader, Somgxada, was reportedly targeted due to his role in these campaigns. A spokesperson for the organization, Sandile Dube, told the BBC that the killing appeared to be a retaliatory act. He stated that other members of the group had previously received warnings or death threats, suggesting a pattern of intimidation. Dube described the attack as an “orchestrated hitman type of killing” and called on authorities to thoroughly examine the circumstances and address the broader issue of harassment faced by the group. Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane has announced the formation of a multidisciplinary team to probe the case. In a statement released on Tuesday evening, she emphasized the gravity of the situation and reaffirmed the commitment to uncovering the truth behind the murder. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this murder and to ensure accountability,” she said. The police chief also issued a stern warning to anyone engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment, or violence against foreign nationals. She reiterated that the law applies equally to all individuals and that no one, whether a citizen or foreigner, has the right to conduct immigration checks or forcibly remove people from communities. Dube, when asked about the treatment of foreign nationals by anti-migrant protesters, denied that March and March condoned any form of violence. He asserted that the group rejects “any form of anti-law” and maintains that its actions are lawful. However, reports indicate that some foreign nationals have faced hostility during public demonstrations organized by the group. These incidents have sparked concerns among both local and international observers regarding the safety of migrant communities in South Africa. South Africa’s population includes more than three million documented foreign nationals, according to official statistics. This number does not include those present in the country without proper documentation. Recent months have seen increased efforts by several African nations to repatriate their citizens. Countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Uganda have arranged flights or bus services to assist undocumented migrants in returning home. Nigeria, for instance, has been operating a voluntary repatriation program, with the latest flight landing in Lagos on Wednesday. It carried 306 passengers, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the initiative to over 1,200. These efforts reflect growing pressure on governments to manage migration flows and protect the rights of foreign nationals within their borders. As the police investigation continues, attention will remain focused on the broader implications of the killing for both the anti-migrant movement and the legal protections afforded to foreign residents in South Africa.