Johannesburg, South Africa (Running Africa) — South African police have established a special multidisciplinary task team to investigate the killing of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the Gauteng provincial leader of the anti-migrant movement March and March, who was fatally shot outside his home east of Johannesburg.

Somgxada was attacked outside his residence before being rushed to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Police said the specialized investigative team has been tasked with identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice.

Movement Alleges Killing Linked to Anti-Immigration Campaign

March and March believes the attack was connected to its campaign against undocumented migration in South Africa.

The organization said several of its leaders have recently received threats and described Somgxada’s killing as part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting members of the movement.

Authorities have not confirmed a motive and say investigations remain ongoing.

Immigration Debate Intensifies

The killing comes as illegal immigration remains one of South Africa’s most divisive political and social issues.

March and March has organized demonstrations across the country, arguing that undocumented migration places increasing pressure on public services, housing and employment opportunities.

The organization had previously called on undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by 30 June and has pledged to continue holding weekly protests.

Government Warns Against Xenophobic Violence

South African authorities have repeatedly warned against vigilante activity and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals amid heightened tensions over immigration.

In a separate incident, police recently arrested five suspects in Limpopo accused of impersonating immigration officers and allegedly intimidating a Nigerian businessman who was legally residing in the country.

The government says more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or voluntarily repatriated in recent weeks as part of its migration management campaign.

South Africa is home to more than three million documented foreign nationals, and debates over migration have periodically fueled social unrest and outbreaks of xenophobic violence in recent years.

Police have urged anyone with information about Somgxada’s killing to come forward as investigations continue.