Organized Intimidation: The New Wave of Xenophobia in South Africa
As of May 2026, a disturbing shadow has fallen over South Africa’s major urban centers. From the CBD of Durban to the inner suburbs of Johannesburg, a new wave of anti-migrant violence is being described by human rights observers as "organized intimidation." A man reacts to tear gas fired by police fire to disperse rival marches by hundreds of protesters, after mobs looted stores this week believed to belong to immigrants in Pretoria, South Africa, back in February 24, 2017. From Protests to Witch Hunts What began as "pockets of protests" in late April has escalated into systematic harassment. In my opinion, groups like Operation Dudula and the March & March movement have transformed legitimate economic frustrations into a targeted witch hunt against black African migrants . ‘It’s organised intimidation’: New wave of anti-migrant violence sweeps South Africa ➡️ https://t.co/X0uNH136kU pic.twitter.com/bmzfW6A2cZ — FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) May 11, 202...