South Africa Arrests 40,000 Undocumented Migrants in 2026 as Anti-Foreigner Protests Escalate

3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 14

7,400 undocumented migrants were arrested in the past month, pushing South Africa’s 2026 total above 40,000, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said Sunday.
The crackdown comes as the government tries to contain growing protests against foreigners, fueled by rampant crime and high unemployment.
Authorities said the arrests were for contravening immigration laws, signaling a tougher enforcement push as public anger over migration intensifies.

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