Joburg protesters force immigrants from homes door-to-door as anti-immigration demonstrations intensified across parts of Johannesburg on Thursday, with groups of protesters moving through communities searching for suspected undocumented immigrants. The latest actions form part of a broader campaign by the March and March movement, which has pledged to stage weekly demonstrations until government implements tougher immigration measures.

The incidents were reported in Alexandra and Soweto, where protesters allegedly entered homes, escorted suspected undocumented foreign nationals to police vehicles, and called for stricter enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws. The developments have sparked renewed debate over immigration enforcement, public safety, and the constitutional limits of citizen-led actions.

Johannesburg protests intensify

The latest Johannesburg protests marked another escalation in demonstrations that have spread across several parts of South Africa.

According to eyewitness reports, groups of protesters went from house to house in Alexandra searching for people they believed were living in the country illegally.

Some protesters reportedly forced entry into homes before escorting occupants to waiting police vehicles.

Among those taken away was a woman and her young child from Malawi.

Another man detained during the operation identified himself as a lawful resident of South Africa.

“I am a ZEP holder,” Zimbabwean national Total Mhlanga reportedly told those present, referring to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit that allows eligible Zimbabwean nationals to live and work legally in South Africa.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over how immigration enforcement should be conducted and who has the legal authority to carry it out.

Anti-immigrant protests South Africa continue every Thursday

The latest anti-immigrant protests South Africa follow nationwide demonstrations held on 30 June.

The movement’s leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, previously announced that protests would continue every Thursday until government responds to the organisation’s demands.

The campaign calls for:

• Stronger border security.
• Mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
• Stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
• Greater employment opportunities for South Africans.
• Priority access for South Africans to schools and healthcare services.

Supporters argue that tougher immigration enforcement is necessary to address unemployment and crime.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about unlawful actions taken by members of the public against suspected migrants.

March and March expands campaign

The March and March movement has become one of the country’s most prominent organisations advocating stricter immigration enforcement.

Led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the movement says its campaign specifically targets undocumented immigrants rather than legally documented foreign nationals.

The organisation has repeatedly called for:

• Improved border management.
• Stronger immigration enforcement.
• Removal of undocumented migrants.
• Greater government accountability.

Following the June demonstrations, the movement announced a programme of weekly protests across multiple provinces.

Thursday’s demonstrations in Johannesburg formed part of that ongoing campaign.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma maintains pressure

Weekly demonstrations to continue

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has maintained that the movement will continue marching until government addresses its concerns.

Speaking after previous demonstrations, she said supporters would continue gathering every Thursday.

Her organisation argues that undocumented immigration contributes to:

• Unemployment.
• Crime.
• Pressure on healthcare services.
• Housing shortages.
• Increased demand for public resources.

The movement insists its campaign is focused on immigration enforcement rather than lawful foreign nationals residing in South Africa.

Door-to-door searches raise concerns

One of the most controversial aspects of Thursday’s demonstrations involved reports of protesters conducting door-to-door searches.

In Alexandra, Reuters journalists witnessed protesters entering residential properties where they believed undocumented immigrants were living.

Community leader Bongani Msomi told reporters:

“We are walking around doing door-to-door removing foreigners.”

The actions have prompted legal and constitutional questions about the role of ordinary citizens in immigration enforcement.

South African authorities have repeatedly stated that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of authorised government agencies.

Police continue monitoring demonstrations

South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were deployed during the demonstrations to maintain public order.

Police have also increased operations targeting undocumented migrants in recent weeks.

Authorities have indicated that immigration enforcement operations are conducted separately from public protests and remain subject to South African law.

At the time of reporting, Johannesburg police had not issued detailed public comments regarding the specific actions of protesters or officers present at the scenes.

Government warns against taking the law into your own hands

President Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly cautioned South Africans against blaming immigrants for the country’s broader economic and social challenges.

Government has also reminded citizens that immigration enforcement cannot be carried out by private individuals.

Officials emphasise that:

• Immigration officers determine legal status.
• Police maintain public order.
• Courts decide legal disputes.
• Citizens should report suspected violations through lawful channels.

Authorities have encouraged residents to cooperate with law enforcement while avoiding actions that may violate the rights of others.

Undocumented immigrants remain central issue

The debate surrounding undocumented immigrants continues to dominate public discussion.

Supporters of stronger immigration enforcement believe undocumented migration places pressure on:

• Employment opportunities.
• Public healthcare.
• Housing.
• Social services.
• Municipal infrastructure.

Others argue that immigration challenges require balanced solutions that distinguish between undocumented migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and legally documented foreign nationals.

The issue remains one of South Africa’s most closely watched policy debates.

Malawi and Zimbabwe monitor developments

The protests have also attracted attention beyond South Africa’s borders.

Malawi’s government announced that more than 38,000 of its citizens have returned home from South Africa in recent weeks as part of a repatriation programme linked to growing safety concerns.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that more than 60,000 Zimbabweans have also returned to Zimbabwe during the same period.

Regional governments continue monitoring developments closely as anti-immigration demonstrations expand.

Immigration enforcement remains government responsibility

Although police have intensified operations targeting undocumented migrants, government continues emphasising that only authorised officials may enforce immigration legislation.

The Department of Home Affairs remains responsible for:

• Verifying immigration status.
• Processing visas.
• Managing asylum applications.
• Conducting deportation procedures.
• Border management.

Police support these efforts through law enforcement operations conducted within the framework of South African legislation.

Public debate over immigration continues

The latest Johannesburg protests have once again highlighted the complex debate surrounding immigration in South Africa.

Supporters of the demonstrations believe stronger immigration controls are needed to improve public safety and create more opportunities for citizens.

Critics have expressed concern that vigilantism and unlawful searches may undermine constitutional protections and increase tensions within communities.

Legal experts continue to emphasise that constitutional rights apply to everyone within South Africa, regardless of nationality, while immigration laws must be enforced through lawful processes.

What happens next?

The March and March movement has indicated that weekly demonstrations will continue across several provinces.

Police are expected to maintain a visible presence during future marches while continuing official immigration enforcement operations.

Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws through authorised institutions while discouraging citizens from taking enforcement into their own hands.

As public debate continues, immigration is expected to remain a significant political and social issue in South Africa over the coming months.

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Conclusion

The reports that Joburg protesters force immigrants from homes door-to-door mark another significant development in South Africa’s ongoing immigration debate. The latest Johannesburg protests, organised as part of the March and March campaign led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, have intensified calls for stronger immigration enforcement while also raising important legal and constitutional questions about citizen involvement in policing.

As anti-immigrant protests South Africa continue every Thursday, authorities have stressed that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of government agencies. The balance between public safety, lawful immigration enforcement and constitutional rights is likely to remain at the centre of national discussions in the weeks ahead.

References

1. Reuters. South African protesters go door-to-door forcing immigrants from their homes. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-protesters-go-door-to-door-forcing-immigrants-their-homes-2026-07-09/
2. TimesLIVE. Protesters go door-to-door in Joburg forcing immigrants from homes. Available at: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/2026-07-09-protesters-go-door-to-door-in-joburg-forcing-immigrants-from-homes/
3. Reuters. What is behind South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests? Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/what-is-behind-south-africas-anti-immigrant-protests-2026-06-26/