Anti-illegal immigrant protests in several provinces of South Africa have escalated to such an extent that police intervention has been required.
As foreign nationals are leaving South Africa in large numbers, Namibia has urged its citizens to “remain vigilant and seek consular assistance if needed” amid the unrest.
In recent weeks, anti-illegal immigrant protests in several provinces of South Africa have escalated to the point of requiring police intervention, as protesters began openly threatening the safety of foreign nationals and their property.
One of the organizations at the forefront, March and March, has set a hard deadline of June 30 for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
namibia
Meanwhile, Namibia has urged its citizens to remain vigilant.
Nidita Nghipondoka-Robiati, executive director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, confirmed that “the ministry has not received reports of Namibian citizens affected by the unrest in South Africa”.
However, he stressed that authorities are “closely monitoring the situation” and urged citizens in need of assistance to contact “the High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in Pretoria or the Consulate General in Cape Town”.
According to a report, he said, “Namibian citizens living, studying or traveling in South Africa are advised to remain vigilant, avoid tense areas and prioritize their personal safety at all times.” Namibian.
Several other countries, including Kenya, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, have also urged their citizens in South Africa to exercise caution.
mozambique
During this time, The Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed the departure of 933 Mozambican citizens through the Lebombo Port of Entry, in one of the largest coordinated repatriation operations in recent months.
Of the total processed, 349 individuals came from the Lindela holding facility and were deported by the Home Department, while 584 traveled through Mossel Bay under arrangements facilitated by the Mozambique High Commission.
BMA Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mme Mogotsi said the operation was coordinated through an integrated approach that included Home Affairs, Social Development, the SA Police Service and immigration, health, law enforcement and border guard operations in partnership with Mozambican authorities.
malawi
On Monday, Malawi announced the launch of a voluntary repatriation program for its citizens in South Africa following reports of violent attacks on African immigrants in parts of the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday that the initiative would apply only to citizens who have formally requested assistance, with logistical details to be released once arrangements are finalised.
First group of Ghanaian nationals repatriated after departure South Africa Last week.
ghana
The Ghanaian government has also issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa due to what it called “xenophobic attacks against African citizens”.
in one official travel adviceGhana's Foreign Ministry urged citizens to reconsider travel plans to South Africa after a sharp increase in incidents targeting foreign African nationals in several cities.
United States of America
The Embassy and Consulates of the United States in South Africa also issued a warning to its citizens about visiting the Menlyn Park Shopping Center following the explosion at the Woolworths store.
In an alert notice issued Thursday night, 28 May 2026, the embassy urged visitors to remain vigilant while authorities continue their investigation.
“At approximately 1am on May 28, an explosion occurred at Woolworths in Menlyn Mall. United States (US) citizens should avoid the area until further notice.
The US Embassy said, “The South African Police Service (SAPS) found a small device during their operation. Damage was minimal, and no injuries were reported. SAPS is still investigating the situation, and it is unclear whether this was an isolated incident.”
Officials urged the public to exercise caution, remain vigilant, avoid large crowds, report suspicious activity and follow instructions from local authorities while monitoring media updates.
law and order
on wednesday, National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) reaffirms its commitment To enforce law and protect public order, urging the public to remain vigilant and refrain from attacks.
NetJoints Chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebelo Mosikili said operations would continue to target criminal networks and ensure community safety.
“No individual, organization or movement has the right to take the law into their own hands, conduct unlawful operations, intimidate communities, target individuals based on their nationality or enforce immigration laws outside the framework of the law,” Mosikili said during a briefing in George, Western Cape.
The province was hit by violent unrest in Kwanonkaba in Mossel Bay on Friday. The groups reportedly set fire to about 55 huts in Asala Park informal settlement.
mozambique
During the chaos, the bodies of two Mozambican men were found with injuries. Nlamulo Sambo, 18, South African Stabbed to death on Sunday.
Police arrested a 23-year-old man on Tuesday evening in connection with Sambo's death. Mosikili clarified that Sambo's death was not linked to the recent unrest and urged the public to avoid speculation.
In the past week, 166 suspects were arrested in the Free State for public violence, according to NetJoints. Five people were also arrested on charges of violence and intimidation in the Western Cape.