As tensions over immigration in South Africa reach a boiling point, some Nigerian nationals who refused to leave the country by a June 30 deadline have taken up arms to defend themselves, according to a report from Daily Trust. The development marks a sharp escalation in a crisis that has already claimed multiple lives and drawn condemnation from African governments.
Anti-Migrant Groups Push for Deportations
Groups such as March and March have been at the forefront of mobilizing against illegal immigrants, arguing that foreign nationals take jobs and services from locals. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the leader of March and March, addressed a crowd in Durban 24 hours before the unofficial deadline for migrants to leave. “South Africans have been replaced by illegal foreigners, increasing unemployment,” she said. “We want mass deportation. For the next six months we want the government to get rid of the people who have not left.”
Violence After the Deadline
Following the June 30 deadline, groups broke into homes and hotels where they believed migrants were hiding. A viral video showed a man and his family, including minors, being chased out of his house. “My wife is pregnant,” the man repeatedly said as protesters marched them onto the street. Police have confirmed that at least two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian, and a Malawian have been killed in the latest outburst of anti-immigrant violence.
Repatriation Efforts Underway
Several African governments—including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique—have organized voluntary repatriation flights and buses for their citizens. Authorities said Monday that more than 25,000 people had been processed for departure in recent weeks. However, some Nigerians who have vowed not to leave South Africa have instead taken up arms to defend themselves.
Confrontation Captured on Video
In a video seen on Saturday, two groups faced each other across a makeshift line marked with ropes, with police officers positioned between them. On one side were Nigerians, while their aggressive hosts stood on the other end. The commentator in the video claimed that the Nigerians were “waiting for the South Africans to cross the line” while security personnel stood between both sides. The video also appeared to show some individuals on the Nigerian side carrying cutlasses and other light weapons. A gunshot is heard during the recording, prompting chants from the crowd in apparent defiance of the reported deadline. The commentator claimed, “Can you hear the gunshots?” as the situation became increasingly chaotic. Daily Trust subjected the video to checks and found it to be authentic.
Official Silence and Diplomatic Context
As of the time of the report, neither Nigerian nor South African authorities had issued official statements on the incident. The Nigerian government has repeatedly condemned attacks targeting its citizens in South Africa and has urged South African authorities to guarantee their safety. Through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, officials have maintained contact with affected Nigerians while advising them to remain calm, avoid flashpoints, and report threats to security agencies. Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have been strained several times over recurring xenophobic violence, with previous and recent attacks prompting diplomatic protests, evacuation of Nigerians, and calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals living in the country.