The national police force of South Africa
South Africa is mobilising police resources ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for foreigners to leave the country. Officials say protests will be monitored for safety, with a focus on peaceful demonstration and enforcement against violence and criminality.
South Africa has processed more than 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation after sustained anti‑migrant protests and door‑to‑door searches. Thousands have fled to temporary centres such as Musina and Lindela; Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and others have arranged buses and flights. Governments and NGOs are warning of overcrowding, poor conditions and rising diplomatic tensions.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma has been arrested in Johannesburg on arms and murder charges as British authorities push for his extradition over the Bedfordshire killings. South African police say they will process the case alongside the UK extradition request.
The Gauteng province leader of the March and March movement, Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, has died after being shot outside his Greenfields home on 4 July. The movement, which has staged anti-immigrant protests, says threats and intimidation have followed leaders; police have formed a multidisciplinary team to probe the murder. Protests are set to continue as the movement demands migrants leave the country.
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.
A cross-border crackdown has led to major drug seizures in several countries. In the UK, 2.9 tonnes of class A drugs hidden in a banana shipment have been seized at London Gateway Port, with nine men questioned. Africa and the Middle East report further seizures and arrests tied to cocaine, cannabis and captagon networks. The operations highlight ongoing efforts by national police agencies to disrupt trafficking chains and cut profits.
Former two-division world boxing champion Zolani "Last Born" Tete has been shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Police have arrested four suspects aged 22–28; a 22-year-old has been charged with murder and attempted murder. A 27-year-old woman who was with Tete has been hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
South Africa has arrested a 50-year-old Thai national at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for attempting to smuggle parrot eggs in a homemade incubator bag. Investigations indicate the eggs belong to CITES-listed parrot species. A second Thai national was arrested in July for attempting to smuggle 418 eggs. Authorities say these seizures highlight a coordinated, intelligence-led effort to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks.
South African police have confirmed that six Nigerians linked to the Black Axe network have been extradited to the United States. The Hawks coordinated the handover to FBI and Secret Service officials at Cape Town International Airport, with Interpol South Africa assisting. The group faces wire fraud and money laundering charges for defrauding more than 100 women in the United States of over $6 million through online romance scams.
A wave of killings of women in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, has prompted police to form a multidisciplinary task team and issue public warnings to women to avoid isolated areas. Authorities say nine victims have been found in Kempton Park and surrounding townships since July, with concerns about links between cases and possible serial involvement.
Multiple bodies of young women have been found in and around Kempton Park, triggering a police probe into possible serial killings. Authorities warn against premature conclusions while increasing public safety measures. A reward has been offered for information.