Sources on the ground in Johannesburg report scenes of terror as armed gangs patrol the streets, hunting migrants ahead of South Africa’s sudden expulsion deadline. Men with machetes, some wearing balaclavas, have been seen dragging families from their homes. The UK embassy has issued a warning, advising British nationals to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.
But this is not a travel advisory: it’s a countdown to a humanitarian disaster. Documents obtained by this newsroom show the South African government’s directive, issued without public consultation, orders all undocumented migrants to leave by midnight Friday. The number of people affected is estimated at 200,000, many of whom have lived and worked in the country for years.
In a statement, the UK Foreign Office said it is ‘deeply concerned’ and ‘monitoring closely’. But concerns have been raised about the lack of preparation. Shelters are full.
Buses to border crossings are not arriving. Meanwhile, the gangs are taking advantage of the chaos. A source inside a community centre told me: ‘We are afraid.
They say if we are not gone by Friday, we will be killed.’ This is not a random outbreak of violence: it is the predictable result of a policy designed to scapegoat the vulnerable. The money trail leads to private security companies that stand to profit from mass deportations.
And the UK, which has its own tough immigration stance, is watching from the sidelines. But the borders are porous. Some of those fleeing today might end up on British shores tomorrow.
So far there has been no official comment from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. But the clock is ticking.
