Special police team investigates killing of anti‑migrant leader in South Africa

A special police unit has opened an investigation into the murder of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the Gauteng province leader of the anti‑immigrant movement March & March.

Somgxada was shot outside his home east of Johannesburg early in July and died several days later in hospital. Police say the killing may be retaliation for March & March’s campaign a calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

March & March spokesperson Sandile Dube has described the event as a “retaliation” and an “orchestrated hitman‑type” murder. The movement has received warnings and death threats in recent weeks.

Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane announced a multidisciplinary team to investigate the shooting. She stressed that the service takes the matter seriously and will seek accountability.

The government says more than 53,000 foreign nationals have already been deported or repatriated since launching a migration management campaign five weeks ago. The country has also seen violent incidents, intimidation and looting linked to pro‑migrant demonstrations.

The death of a key activist at the centre of the anti‑immigrant movement has intensified pressure on authorities to act. Analysts warn that the current tensions could spark further violence and undermine South Africa’s human rights record.

Lt Gen Dimpane has issued a stern warning to those who continue to intimidate, harass or perpetrate violence against foreign nationals. She emphasised that the law applies equally to all and no individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections or remove people from communities.

The anti‑immigrant protests, which have called for the immediate departure of migrants without papers, have also highlighted broader issues of xenophobia in South Africa, a country that attracts migrants seeking better economic opportunities.

The investigation into Somgxada’s murder will remain a key focus of South Africa’s police and political discourse in the coming weeks. The outcome may influence how the fight over immigration policy is approached and how law enforcement handles such politically charged incidents worldwide.