South African police were deployed across major cities on Tuesday as anti-migrant protests gathered momentum following an unofficial deadline set by citizen-led groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.

According to AFP, as published by Channels Television, officers were deployed to prevent violence, looting and xenophobic attacks, while hundreds of foreign nationals sought refuge or assistance to return to their home countries.

Business activity was disrupted in several areas, with many shops remaining closed and security personnel patrolling Johannesburg as commuters travelled to work.

In Durban, protesters dressed in traditional Zulu attire marched while chanting slogans calling for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. Police closely monitored the demonstrations to prevent clashes.

The protests have been organised by a coalition of small political parties and citizen groups that analysts say have built a strong social media presence, despite concerns over the spread of misinformation.

Recent weeks have seen deadly anti-immigrant violence, with at least four foreign nationals, including Mozambicans, an Ethiopian and a Malawian, reported killed. Several African governments have since arranged flights and buses to evacuate their citizens.

South Africa continues to attract migrants from across the continent despite high unemployment, rising crime and deteriorating public services. Labour analyst Dale McKinley said migration had become “politically weaponised” ahead of the country’s local government elections scheduled for November.

Thousands of foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans and Malawians, have gathered outside consulates and collection points in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg awaiting transport home. Some said they lost their jobs or accommodation amid fears of violence and possible penalties for employing undocumented migrants.

March and March movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said the June 30 mobilisation marked the start of a nationwide campaign calling for the deportation of undocumented migrants but insisted the group was not encouraging violence.

The South African government has mounted a major security operation to prevent a repeat of the deadly July 2021 unrest, which left about 350 people dead during widespread rioting and looting.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also announced tougher measures to combat illegal immigration while urging traditional leaders to help calm tensions.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli warned that authorities would not allow the province to descend into violence, stressing that legitimate concerns over undocumented migration must not result in xenophobic attacks.

The current crisis marks one of the largest coordinated repatriation efforts by African governments in response to anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.