March and March vows to intensify protests after Gauteng leader is killed
March and March vows to intensify protests following the fatal shooting of one of its regional leaders, Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, with the organisation declaring it will expand its nationwide Thursday demonstrations despite growing security threats against its members. The movement says it will not be intimidated after the killing of its Gauteng leader and has called on law enforcement agencies to investigate those responsible while tackling criminal syndicates it believes are operating across South Africa.
The announcement comes after Somgxada died in hospital on 9 July 2026, five days after he was shot outside his home in Greenfields, Ekurhuleni. National spokesperson Sandile Dube said the organisation would honour Somgxada’s legacy by continuing its campaigns against undocumented foreign nationals allegedly involved in criminal activities, as well as drug cartels, human trafficking syndicates and extortion networks.
March and March protests to continue nationwide
The March and March protests have become a regular feature in several South African communities, with demonstrations held every Thursday in various provinces.
The movement has built its campaign around concerns over illegal immigration, crime, extortion and undocumented businesses operating within local communities. Members argue that stronger law enforcement is needed to address criminal syndicates and protect South African citizens.
Following Somgxada’s death, the organisation says those demonstrations will not only continue but will become larger and more frequent.
According to the movement, attempts to intimidate its leaders will not prevent members from continuing their activism.
Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada remembered as dedicated leader
Gauteng movement leader killed after shooting
The Gauteng movement leader killed, Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, served as one of the organisation’s leading figures in Greenfields, Ekurhuleni.
According to the movement, Somgxada was shot outside his residence on Saturday, 4 July 2026.
He was rushed to hospital, where he remained in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries five days later on Thursday, 9 July.
National spokesperson Sandile Dube described Somgxada as a peaceful patriot who remained committed to improving community safety through peaceful demonstrations.
“He was rushed to hospital for medical treatment, where he fought for his life until the final hour on Thursday, July 9, 2026, when he was pronounced dead,” Dube said.
The organisation has announced plans to hold a memorial service in Gauteng before Somgxada’s funeral takes place in the Eastern Cape, subject to arrangements with his family.
Sandile Dube condemns threats against movement leaders
Regional leaders allegedly targeted
Sandile Dube said Somgxada’s killing forms part of what the organisation believes is a broader pattern of intimidation directed at March and March leaders.
According to Dube, several regional leaders have received threatening messages following recent demonstrations held in various provinces.
He confirmed that organisers in Tshwane, Mpumalanga and Umlazi have all reported receiving warnings after participating in community marches.
The organisation believes these threats originate from individuals allegedly benefiting from criminal enterprises disrupted by the protests.
“We call upon law enforcement authorities to get to the bottom of this matter, as it is bound to create unnecessary tension in various communities,” Dube said.
He added that police should conduct a comprehensive investigation into both Somgxada’s murder and the reported threats received by other movement leaders.
Anti-illegal immigration protests remain central campaign
The movement insists its anti-illegal immigration protests remain focused on encouraging stronger law enforcement rather than promoting violence.
Its members have repeatedly called for authorities to address undocumented immigration alongside criminal activities such as human trafficking, drug distribution and extortion.
According to the organisation, Thursday marches have been organised to raise public awareness about these issues while demanding more decisive government action.
Supporters argue that communities affected by organised crime deserve increased policing and improved border management.
Critics, however, have previously warned that demonstrations addressing illegal immigration should avoid encouraging vigilantism or targeting individuals based solely on nationality.
Organisation links murder to criminal syndicates
The March and March movement claims Somgxada’s killing occurred amid ongoing tensions involving alleged extortion networks operating in several communities.
Dube alleged that criminal groups profiting from protection rackets, drug trafficking and undocumented businesses have become increasingly hostile toward movement leaders.
“We urge South Africans to defend their entire country against drug cartels, human trafficking agents, and extortionists disguised as private security companies,” Dube said.
Although these allegations have been publicly raised by the organisation, police investigations into Somgxada’s murder remain ongoing.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed any suspects or motives linked to the shooting.
Calls for thorough police investigation
Following the fatal shooting, the movement has appealed directly to South African law enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation.
Dube warned that failure to identify those responsible could increase tensions within affected communities.
He urged investigators to examine both the murder itself and the reported threats received by regional organisers across multiple provinces.
The organisation says resolving the case is essential not only for Somgxada’s family but also for ensuring public confidence in the justice system.
Community members have also called for swift arrests while expressing concern about rising violence affecting civic organisations.
Movement promises stronger nationwide demonstrations
Despite the security concerns, March and March says its weekly demonstrations will become more visible in the coming weeks.
The organisation believes expanding public participation is the most appropriate way to honour Somgxada’s contribution.
According to Dube, Gauteng will remain a major focus because the province experiences significant challenges relating to undocumented immigration and organised crime.
The movement intends to continue engaging communities through peaceful marches while encouraging broader public participation.
Organisers say future demonstrations will continue highlighting issues including illegal businesses, drug trafficking, extortion and human trafficking.
Supporters urged to honour Somgxada’s legacy
Dube encouraged South Africans who support the movement to remember Somgxada by continuing to participate peacefully in future demonstrations.
“We call upon South Africans to honour the life of a fellow patriot and marcher, Mr Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, whose legacy will never be allowed to fade in vain,” he said.
The organisation says Somgxada dedicated his time to community activism and remained committed to addressing issues affecting local residents.
Supporters have since shared tributes across social media remembering his leadership and commitment to the movement’s objectives.
Public debate over immigration and community safety
The events surrounding Somgxada’s death have once again placed immigration, organised crime and community safety at the centre of public debate.
South Africa continues facing complex challenges involving border management, undocumented migration and organised criminal networks.
Government officials have repeatedly stated that criminal activity should be addressed through lawful policing and judicial processes while protecting constitutional rights.
Civil society organisations have similarly called for balanced discussions that distinguish between undocumented immigration and criminal conduct.
The ongoing debate highlights the importance of effective policing, fair immigration policies and community cooperation.
Memorial and funeral arrangements
The March and March movement confirmed that a memorial service for Somgxada will be held in Gauteng during the week.
His funeral is expected to take place in the Eastern Cape once arrangements have been finalised with his family.
Supporters from across the country are expected to attend both events to pay their respects.
The organisation says these gatherings will celebrate Somgxada’s contribution while reinforcing its commitment to continuing peaceful activism.
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Conclusion
The announcement that March and March vows to intensify protests marks a significant moment for the organisation following the death of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada. While mourning the loss of one of its regional leaders, the movement insists it will continue expanding its March and March protests despite reported threats against its members.
As police continue investigating Somgxada’s murder, attention now turns to whether authorities can identify those responsible while maintaining public order during future demonstrations. For the movement, the coming weeks will be dedicated both to honouring Somgxada’s memory and continuing campaigns centred on anti-illegal immigration protests, community safety and the fight against organised crime.
Mainstream Media References
- eNCA – March and March renews immigration policy protests
https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/march-and-march-renews-immigration-policy-protests - eNCA – Round two and three are loading: March and March
https://www.enca.com/top-stories/round-two-and-three-are-loading-march-and-march - eNCA – ‘We don’t use taxpayers’ money for our existence’ – March and March
https://www.enca.com/top-stories/we-dont-use-taxpayers-money-our-existence-march-and-march - eNCA – Analyst: If protests go awry, people will need to be held accountable
https://www.enca.com/opinion-top-stories/analyst-if-protests-go-awry-people-will-need-be-held-accountable
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