Three people have been arrested after two people, including a 17-year-old, were shot during Johannesburg’s 30 June anti-illegal immigration protest, bringing a tense end to what had largely been a peaceful day of demonstrations. Gauteng police allege the suspects opened fire on protesters in Hillbrow after the official march had dispersed, prompting demonstrators to retaliate by setting the suspects’ vehicle alight.
The incident unfolded after thousands of people marched through Johannesburg’s CBD as part of coordinated nationwide protests calling for stronger action against undocumented immigration. While authorities described the organised demonstrations as largely peaceful, the Hillbrow shooting has become the focus of an ongoing attempted murder investigation.
Thousands Take Part in Johannesburg Protest
Johannesburg hosted one of the country’s largest anti-illegal immigration marches on Tuesday, with an estimated 10,000 people participating in the demonstration through the inner city.
The nationwide protests were organised by more than 20 civic organisations led by the March and March movement, which has been calling for stricter immigration enforcement and action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Organisers had previously declared 30 June as an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
The Johannesburg procession followed an approved route before concluding at Kwa Mai Mai in the CBD, where organisers addressed supporters and declared the march a success.
Throughout the day, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Gauteng Traffic Police and other law enforcement agencies maintained a strong presence. Police helicopters monitored activity from the air while officers accompanied the march on the ground.
Although some demonstrators were seen carrying sjamboks and knopkieries during the march, authorities said the official procession concluded without major incidents.
Violence Breaks Out After Official March Ends
Tensions escalated after the official programme concluded.
Police said a splinter group of more than 1,000 protesters remained in parts of Hillbrow and the Johannesburg CBD after the main march had dispersed.
According to Gauteng police, three suspects allegedly opened fire at protesters passing through one of the streets in Hillbrow.
The shooting caused panic among demonstrators and brought a violent end to what had otherwise been a largely peaceful day.
Witnesses reported that protesters retaliated by torching the suspects’ vehicle before police intervened to prevent further violence.
Three Arrested After Two People Shot
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that three suspects were arrested following the shooting.
“It is alleged that the trio opened fire at protesters who were passing through the street, injuring two people,” Muridili said.
Police confirmed that two people, including a 17-year-old, sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
“The three suspects were arrested and two licensed firearms, believed to have been used in the incident, were seized for further investigation,” Muridili added.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder.
At the time of publication, police had not confirmed any fatalities linked to the incident.
SANDF Deployed to Support Police
Following the shooting, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were deployed in parts of the Johannesburg CBD to assist SAPS in maintaining order.
Heavily armed soldiers were seen patrolling alongside police officers while law enforcement monitored remaining protesters and secured affected areas.
Authorities said the deployment formed part of broader security operations aimed at preventing any further escalation.
March and March Plans Further Demonstrations
Following Tuesday’s demonstrations, March and March leaders indicated that the movement intends continuing its campaign.
Leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma announced that the organisation plans to hold weekly Thursday demonstrations while continuing to call for stronger border security, increased immigration enforcement and action against undocumented immigration.
Government has not formally responded to the announcement but has maintained that any future demonstrations must comply with South African law.
Police to Provide Further Update
The Gauteng Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), co-chaired by SAPS, the State Security Agency (SSA) and SANDF, is expected to provide a further update following the province-wide demonstrations.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the Hillbrow shooting, while additional cases linked to isolated incidents during the nationwide protests are also being investigated.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Although the 30 June demonstrations did not result in the widespread unrest that many feared, the Hillbrow shooting illustrates how isolated incidents can quickly escalate after organised events conclude.
The arrests, firearm seizures and SANDF deployment highlight the extensive security response mounted by authorities as investigations continue. Residents can also expect an increased police presence should further demonstrations take place in Gauteng.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened after the Johannesburg protest?
After the official march ended, a splinter group remained in Hillbrow, where police allege three suspects opened fire on protesters.
How many people were injured?
Police confirmed that two people, including a 17-year-old, sustained gunshot injuries.
Were any arrests made?
Yes. Three suspects were arrested and two licensed firearms were seized.
Did anyone die during the incident?
No. At the time of publication, police had not confirmed any fatalities linked to the Hillbrow shooting.
Will there be more protests?
March and March leaders have announced plans to continue holding demonstrations while campaigning for stronger immigration enforcement.
Looking Ahead
Police investigations into the Hillbrow shooting remain ongoing, with the three suspects expected to appear in court on attempted murder charges. Gauteng’s Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure is also expected to provide further details on the overall outcome of the 30 June demonstrations. Meanwhile, authorities say they will continue monitoring any future protest action to ensure public safety while protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
