Calm but cautious: Police make eight arrests as June 30 protests begin

Law enforcement in Gauteng carried out arrests as nationwide protests over illegal immigration began on 30 June 2026, while authorities urged demonstrators to remain peaceful.

Arrests and incidents

Gauteng police Commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni confirmed on Tuesday morning that a total of eight people were arrested in relation to protests linked to illegal immigration. The figure covers arrests made since 28 June.

Among those detained was an unidentified leader of Monday’s Soweto march, who was arrested with four others after a confrontation with a foreign-owned shop connected to looting allegations. Separately, four people were arrested at Moffat View in Rosettenville following public disorder arising from a house robbery involving a specific nationality.

Official response and oversight

The Interministerial Committee on Migration (IMC) and the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints) met early on Tuesday in Mayfair, Johannesburg, to discuss security measures and compliance. The meeting included Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and other officials.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and IMC chair Mmamoloko Kubayi attended a press briefing alongside Mthombeni and acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane. Kubayi said authorities would continue to monitor and facilitate the situation and emphasised the rights of citizens to protest peacefully.

“We commend the marchers for their communication with us and insist that their right to protest will not be inhibited. However, we appeal for peaceful demonstrations,” Kubayi stated.

Scenes on the ground

As countrywide protests were set to get under way on Tuesday morning, streets across Soweto, Johannesburg and neighbouring areas were described as largely deserted. Many businesses in Mayfair and the city centre remained closed.

Calls to avoid violence

March and March Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma urged police to act quickly against anyone who would use the protests to loot or cause violence, saying: “(Tuesday’s) protests are about the country’s future, and they should not be hijacked by opportunists.”

Ongoing preparations

The IMC and ProvJoints, which include the South African Police Service, the State Security Agency and the South African National Defence Force, are reviewing security measures ahead of further planned protests on 30 June 2026. Kubayi reaffirmed that the right to protest would be protected and that authorities were proactively reviewing security measures.