In brief
South African police have formed a multidisciplinary task force to investigate the murder of Gauteng's March & March leader, Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada. The shooting, which took place outside Somgxada’s home earlier in July, is seen as retaliation by hard‑line forces amid protests demanding undocumented migrants leave the country. March & March spokesperson Sandile Dube warned of an orchestrated hit and called for swift justice, while Acting Police Chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane pledged a thorough inquiry. The incident highlights the broader tensions surrounding migration policy and xenophobia in the world’s wealthiest African nation.
Police have stepped up scrutiny after the murder of anti‑migrant leader Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada.
Somgxada, the Gauteng leader of the March & March movement, was shot in the driveway of his home east of Johannesburg earlier this month and succumbed to his injuries a few days later.
Spokesman Sandile Dube said the killing appeared to be retaliation for the movement’s campaign demanding undocumented migrants leave South Africa – a directive that has triggered a wave of protests across the country.
Other March & March leaders have reported threats and intimidation, and Dube warned that the incident looks like an orchestrated hitman‑style murder, urging authorities to investigate the violence against the organization.
Acting Police Chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane announced a multidisciplinary team to examine the shooting and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to accountability and justice.
The case unfolds amid broader xenophobia and the government’s recent “migration management” campaign, which has deported over 53,000 foreign nationals since launching five weeks ago.
Despite the country’s status as Africa’s wealthiest nation, it struggles with crime, immigration pressure and rising tensions that often spill over into violent clashes.
Authorities have warned against violent attempts to enforce immigration by unofficial groups, emphasizing that the law applies equally to all residents.
