South Africa has deported or voluntarily repatriated more than 53,000 undocumented African migrants in just one month as authorities intensify a nationwide crackdown that has coincided with rising anti-immigrant protests.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said on Sunday that more than 80% of those returned to their home countries were from Malawi. Officials did not specify how many were formally deported and how many opted for voluntary repatriation.
Several neighboring African countries have deployed buses and aircraft to assist in bringing their citizens home amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. In recent months, tensions have escalated, with sporadic attacks on foreign nationals and protests in several parts of the country.
Police said 350 people have been arrested on charges including public violence, intimidation, and conducting unauthorized immigration checks. Some civilian groups have taken it upon themselves to stop suspected migrants and demand proof of legal residency.
Authorities are also investigating the deaths of at least three migrants—two from Mozambique and one from Malawi. Nigeria has claimed that two of its citizens were killed during anti-immigrant unrest, although South African officials dispute any connection between those deaths and the protests.
Most of those deported or repatriated were from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, though the operation also included nationals of Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced measures to tighten border security and strengthen immigration enforcement in Africa’s most industrialized economy, acknowledging growing public concern over illegal migration.
