South Africa probes killing of anti-immigration leader

South African authorities have launched an investigation into the killing of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the Gauteng provincial leader of the anti-immigration movement March and March, who was shot outside his home days after the group’s nationwide protests.

Somgxada was attacked in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on July 4, shortly after the movement’s June 30 anti-immigration demonstrations.

He later died in hospital on July 9 from injuries sustained in the attack.

In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) announced the formation of a multidisciplinary team comprising experienced detectives and Crime Intelligence officers to investigate the murder.

“The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, in consultation with the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has assembled a multidisciplinary team of seasoned detectives and Crime Intelligence officers to lead the investigation into the murder of March and March Gauteng leader, Mr Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada,” the statement said.

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The police condemned the killing, describing it as a serious crime, and pledged to identify and prosecute those responsible.

According to SAPS, the deployment of the special investigative team underscores the importance attached to the case.

Authorities said they remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Somgxada’s death and to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The Acting National Commissioner also issued a warning against intimidation, harassment and violence targeting foreign nationals, stressing that such actions are unlawful and would not be tolerated.

The March and March movement has gained prominence in recent months for organising nationwide protests demanding stricter immigration controls and the removal of undocumented migrants from South Africa.

Despite Somgxada’s death, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, movement’s national leader, said the campaign would continue until the South African government adopts tougher measures against illegal migration.

She announced that members of the movement would stage protests every Thursday for the next six months to pressure the government to remove undocumented migrants from the country.

Meanwhile, South African police have arrested five suspects accused of impersonating officials of the Department of Home Affairs and unlawfully targeting foreign nationals.

According to SAPS, the suspects were arrested in Lephalale, Limpopo Province, after allegedly posing as immigration officials and demanding the removal of foreign nationals from Marapong Township.

Police said one of the victims was a Nigerian businessman who was allegedly intimidated and forced to shut down his shop after the suspects falsely claimed that foreign nationals were prohibited from operating businesses in South Africa.

However, officials from the Department of Home Affairs later confirmed that the Nigerian was legally resident in South Africa and possessed all the required documentation to operate his business.

“The law applies equally to everyone. No individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections, verify legal status or remove people from communities. Those responsibilities rest with law enforcement agencies and relevant government departments,” the police said.