Special Police Team Investigates Killing of Anti-Migrant Leader in South Africa

A special police team is investigating the killing of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, leader of the anti-migrant group March and March in South Africa, amid ongoing tensions over undocumented migration and related protests.

Investigation into Killing of Anti-Migrant Leader

A special police team has commenced an investigation into the killing of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the Gauteng province leader of the anti-migrant group March and March in South Africa.

Police confirmed that Somgxada was shot outside his home east of Johannesburg earlier this month and succumbed to his injuries several days later in hospital.

Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada in sunglasses wearing a red shirt maroon patterned tie and an orange and brown check tailored jacket — Image caption, Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada was shot in the driveway of his home earlier in July

March and March spokesperson Sandile Dube described the killing as retaliation, stating the movement believes Somgxada was targeted due to its campaign advocating for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

"It's a retaliation," March and March spokesperson Sandile Dube told the BBC, explaining how the movement believed he was targeted because of its campaign to get undocumented migrants to leave the country.

Dube added that other leaders within March and March, which has been organizing anti-migrant demonstrations nationwide, had recently received warnings or death threats.

"This seems like an orchestrated hitman type of killing," Dube told the BBC's Newsday programme, urging authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and the intimidation faced by the organisation.

Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane announced the formation of a multidisciplinary team to investigate the shooting, emphasizing the seriousness with which the police service is treating the case.

"We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this murder and to ensure accountability," he said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

Context of Anti-Migrant Sentiment and Demonstrations

Immigration, particularly undocumented migration, has become a highly contentious political issue in South Africa. Protesters accuse undocumented migrants of placing pressure on public services and being involved in criminal activities.

March and March had set an unofficial deadline of 30 June for all undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. The group has pledged to hold weekly marches until their demands are met.

The South African government reported that more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since the launch of a "migration management" campaign five weeks ago.

Xenophobia has been a longstanding issue in South Africa, the continent's wealthiest nation, which has attracted migrants seeking better economic opportunities. This has sometimes resulted in violence. The current wave of demonstrations has included incidents of violence, intimidation, and looting.

On Tuesday, five individuals were arrested in Limpopo province for allegedly impersonating immigration officers and unlawfully demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.

The police stated that the incident involved a Nigerian national, who was legally residing in South Africa, being intimidated and forced to close his business by the suspects.

Lt Gen Dimpane issued a "stern warning" to those who "continue to intimidate, harass and perpetrate violence against foreign nationals."

"The law applies equally to everyone," he said.

"No individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections, verify legal status, or remove people from communities."

March and March’s Position on Violence

When questioned about the treatment of some foreign nationals by anti-migrant protesters, Sandile Dube stated that March and March rejects any form of violence or illegal activity.

"We reject any form of violence - we reject any form of anti-law," Dube said.

Demographics and Repatriation Efforts

According to official figures, South Africa hosts more than three million documented foreign nationals, not including those residing illegally.

Several countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Uganda, have organized flights or buses to facilitate the return of their citizens in recent weeks.

On Wednesday, the last flight organized by the Nigerian government under its voluntary repatriation scheme landed in Lagos carrying 306 passengers. To date, more than 1,200 Nigerians have returned under this program.