Gauteng police have arrested three suspects after two people — including a 17-year-old — were shot and wounded during violent scenes in Hillbrow on Tuesday, 30 June 2026.
The shooting occurred during the nationwide protests led by the March and March movement, which has been calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
Shooting During Protest
According to Gauteng police, tensions escalated in Johannesburg’s inner city after a splinter group of more than 1,000 protesters remained in the CBD following the conclusion of the official march.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that two people were injured when shots were fired.
“It is alleged that the trio opened fire at protesters who were passing through the street, injuring two people,” she said.
Police allege that protesters retaliated by torching the suspects’ vehicle.
“The three suspects were arrested and two licensed firearms, believed to have been used in the incident, were seized for further investigation,” Muridili added.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of attempted murder.
Escalating Tensions in the CBD
Tuesday’s demonstrations formed part of a coordinated national protest targeting undocumented foreign nationals. More than 20 civic organisations participated, with organisers maintaining their demand that undocumented migrants leave the country.
The movement had set an unofficial deadline of 30 June for undocumented foreign nationals to “self-deport”.
In Gauteng, demonstrators marched through parts of Johannesburg, with some seen carrying sjamboks and knopkieries. A heavy police presence monitored the protest, with officers deployed in large numbers to prevent unrest.
However, tensions rose in parts of Hillbrow and the CBD after the main march ended. Violent incidents followed, including the reported shooting and retaliatory torching of a vehicle.
SANDF Deployed
Following the unrest, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed in the CBD to assist police in maintaining order.
Heavily armed soldiers were seen patrolling alongside SAPS members in what authorities described as a stabilisation effort.
The Gauteng Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), co-chaired by SAPS, the State Security Agency (SSA) and the SANDF, is expected to provide an update on Wednesday regarding the security situation across the province.
Nationwide Impact
Protests were held across all nine provinces on Tuesday, with varying degrees of tension reported in several areas.
While many marches proceeded peacefully under police monitoring, others descended into sporadic clashes, intimidation and incidents of violence.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and warned that criminal conduct — including assault, arson and illegal possession or discharge of firearms — will be dealt with decisively.
Investigations into the Hillbrow shooting are ongoing.
