Anti-immigration demonstrations in South Africa escalated sharply on Thursday as organized groups conducted door-to-door evictions in Johannesburg, forcibly removing foreign nationals from their homes.
In Alexandra township, demonstrators reportedly broke down doors to seize individuals, including a Malawian mother and child, and a documented Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holder, before handing them over to police.
Massive displacement and regional flights
Fearing a surge in violence following an informal June 30 departure deadline, thousands of African migrants have abandoned their homes.
According to official government data, over 60,000 citizens have already departed and returned to neighboring Zimbabwe, while more than 38,000 citizens have left to return to Malawi as part of massive repatriation efforts.
