Johannesburg – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to Hillbrow in Johannesburg as tensions escalated during nationwide protests linked to undocumented immigration on Tuesday night.
According to SABC News, the deployment follows growing unrest in the area as demonstrations intensified, with authorities moving in to stabilise the situation and support law enforcement operations on the ground.
JUNE 30 PROTESTS | SABC News reporter Lopang Alamu reports two people were wounded in a shooting incident in Johannesburg earlier today. Law enforcement authorities, including SANDF members, have also descended on Hillbrow following a day of protests. pic.twitter.com/3yLpu80Q3C
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 30, 2026
The protests formed part of a broader wave of nationwide demonstrations calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Security forces have been placed on high alert in several parts of Johannesburg, with police and municipal authorities working alongside the military to contain any further escalation.
[WATCH] SANDF members are deployed to the Johannesburg CBD to support law enforcement efforts to maintain a visible presence to safeguard public
order and protect critical infrastructure. Nqobile Madlala reports from the scene. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/cZY6QcrSwF— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 30, 2026
Officials have previously warned that while the right to protest is protected under the Constitution, any form of violence, intimidation or destruction of property will not be tolerated.
JOHANNESBURG — Tensions flared in Hillbrow on Tuesday amid ongoing anti-immigration protests after two people — a 17-year-old boy and an adult man — were shot and wounded in the area.
According to preliminary reports, two men believed to be Nigerian nationals were washing a… pic.twitter.com/FoItxVaDdd
— SA REPORTS (@MARIUSBROODRYK) June 30, 2026
Government has maintained that immigration challenges must be addressed through lawful and constitutional processes, amid growing political and social debate over undocumented migration, service delivery pressures and unemployment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for calm, warning against xenophobia and violence, and stressing that responsibility for immigration enforcement lies with the state.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been deployed in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. KP #ourcitynews #Johannesburg #June30 pic.twitter.com/kkKuMgSUoE
— Our City News (@OurCityNews) June 30, 2026
“Unrest, violence and intimidation tear at the social fabric of our communities,” Ramaphosa has said in previous remarks on the issue, adding that such actions undermine national unity and safety.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
