Calm has largely been restored in Hillbrow and Alexandra on Wednesday following violent anti-illegal immigration protests that left one person dead, triggered looting incidents, and led to the arrest of three suspects, police said.
Authorities confirmed that security operations remain in place across affected areas, with visible deployments from the South African National Defence Force alongside police units as a precaution against renewed unrest.
The situation on Wednesday was described by officials as stable but still “under close monitoring,” following Tuesday’s large-scale demonstrations that drew thousands into parts of Johannesburg and escalated into sporadic violence.
Arrests after Hillbrow shooting incident
Police said three suspects were arrested after allegedly opening fire on protesters passing through Hillbrow during Tuesday’s demonstrations, injuring two people.
Authorities allege that protesters later set the suspects’ vehicle alight in retaliation. Investigations into the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation are ongoing.
Police have not yet confirmed the motive behind the shooting, but say all parties involved are being questioned.
Fatality in Alexandra linked to protest clashes
In a separate incident in Alexandra, Gauteng police confirmed one person died during confrontations between protesters and security forces.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said during a Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) briefing that stone-throwing occurred before security forces responded.
“One person has since passed on,” Mthombeni said, adding that the incident remains under investigation.
Authorities also reported cases of overnight looting in parts of the township, although no further protests were recorded on Wednesday.
Police and security agencies say their focus is now on preventing renewed flare-ups, stabilising affected communities, and continuing investigations into both the shooting and the fatal incident.
While Wednesday saw no new mass gatherings, officials said the deployment of security forces will remain in place “until full stability is confirmed.”
The unrest is the latest in a series of tensions linked to anti-immigration sentiment in parts of Johannesburg, which has periodically triggered flashpoints of violence in densely populated urban and township areas.
