More than 8,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated through South Africa's Beitbridge Port of Entry in less than two weeks, as confirmed by the Border Management Authority BMA on Thursday, June 25, 2026. This action intensifies efforts to enforce immigration laws ahead of nationwide anti-illegal immigration marches scheduled for June 30. BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi stated that 8,230 people were processed for repatriation between June 12 and 24, 2026, with Malawian nationals accounting for 6,709 individuals transported in 112 buses, and 1,521 Zimbabwean nationals in 26 buses. Foreign nationals undergoing repatriation were processed in the presence of officials from their respective embassies to verify identities and documentation. Mogotsi noted that 17 buses arrived without the required Emergency Travel Certificates and were directed to the Musina truck stop to decongest the port. Many buses transporting repatriated individuals were registered in South Africa and lacked cross-border permits, while some drivers did not possess passports. Mogotsi urged transport operators to comply with immigration and administrative requirements, including ensuring roadworthy buses, drivers with valid passports, and all necessary cross-border permits. The BMA also appealed to foreign nationals participating in voluntary repatriation to be processed by the Department of Home Affairs and complete all Home Affairs verifications and SAPS clearances at the Musina Refugee Reception Centre bef
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the National Council of Provinces NCOP that measures are in place to prevent violence and maintain peace on June 30, a date set by 27 civil organizations for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Ramaphosa stated that the government is strengthening border infrastructure, deploying technology, and closing legal gaps related to immigration. He emphasized that every person within South Africa's borders must be there lawfully and that the state alone is responsible for enforcing these laws. The president outlined a four-part migration plan, which includes a crackdown on immigration violations, increased inspections of employers' premises, and the recruitment of 10,000 inspectors. Additionally, the plan involves strengthening border security by redeveloping six busiest ports of entry and relocating refugee reception centers to border posts. The third part focuses on combating corruption and deploying technology, such as an intelligence population register with biometric data and extending the electronic travel authorization system. The fourth part aims to close legal gaps through a revised white paper on citizenship, immigration, and refugee protection. Ramaphosa also confirmed that 10,000 labor inspectors are being employed in phases due to budgetary constraints. He called on leaders to promote peace and warned that security forces are ready to address any attempts to destabilize the country, ensuring that June 30 remains a n
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has accused former president and MK party leader Jacob Zuma of irresponsibly supporting the March and March movement, inciting violence with the slogan 'Mabahambe,' and fostering hostility against other Africans. Mbalula made these statements at Luthuli House in Johannesburg during a post-national working committee media briefing. While Zuma has not personally endorsed the march against foreign nationals, the MK party stated it would participate in the protest against undocumented migrants. Mbalula claims Zuma's actions are for political reasons to gain votes and that the current situation is not primarily about immigration. He referenced the July 2021 unrest, which resulted in over 350 deaths and an estimated R50 billion economic cost, triggered by Zuma's arrest. The MK party, however, has denounced attempts to link Zuma to the 2021 unrest and the planned 30 June march, calling such claims baseless political propaganda. MK party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu stated that Zuma has consistently called for peace and lawful political activism, and any links to unrest lack credible evidence. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia warned that law enforcement would address any threats to safety and security on 30 June, with potential assistance from the South African National Defence Force if needed.
Three men suspected of being part of the Rolex gang were killed and another arrested following a shootout near the N3 highway, north of Johannesburg. The incident occurred at the Buccleuch interchange on Thursday, June 25, after an intelligence-driven operation led to a high-speed chase and armed confrontation. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that intelligence indicated a group of men, suspected to be linked to the Rolex gang, were scouting malls in three vehicles. The Gauteng Tactical Response Team located one vehicle on the N3, which then sped off, initiating a chase and shootout. The suspects' vehicle stopped at the Buccleuch interchange, where the three occupants were declared dead, and two pistols were recovered. During the scene processing, a second identified vehicle was stopped, and its lone driver was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery. The operation involved the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Gauteng Traffic Airwing, and private security companies. The Rolex gang is known for targeting wealthy individuals, following them from shopping centers or airports to rob them of high-end watches, jewelry, and gadgets, often in upscale suburbs like Bryanston, Sandton, Rosebank, and Menlyn.