**Johannesburg** – A 17-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being shot during unrest in Hillbrow on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, as tensions linked to anti-illegal immigration protests escalated in parts of Johannesburg’s central business district.
The shooting reportedly occurred near the corner of Troy and Kerk streets, where a confrontation broke out at a business believed to be owned by a foreign national. Witnesses said the situation quickly turned violent, resulting in gunfire that left the teenager injured.
Emergency medical personnel responded swiftly to the scene and transported the boy to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. Authorities have not yet released an official update on his condition.
According to Gauteng police, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. Investigators allege that two people, including the 17-year-old victim, were shot during the confrontation.
Police also confirmed that two licensed firearms believed to have been used during the shooting were recovered and seized as part of the investigation. One of the suspects is reportedly the owner of the business where the incident allegedly began.
Following the shooting, tensions in the area intensified as angry protesters allegedly set fire to a vehicle believed to be linked to the suspects. The burning vehicle drew a large crowd and prompted a rapid response from law enforcement officers deployed throughout Hillbrow.
A heavy police presence remained in the area for the rest of the day as officers worked to prevent further violence and maintain public order. Authorities continued monitoring protest activities while detectives launched investigations into both the shooting and the subsequent acts of public violence.
The Hillbrow incident occurred against the backdrop of nationwide demonstrations held on 30 June, where several organisations marched to demand stronger action against illegal immigration and improved enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.
Ahead of the demonstrations, leaders representing more than 20 participating organisations insisted that their campaign was peaceful and rooted in patriotism rather than xenophobia. Speaking during a media briefing in Johannesburg before the protests, they urged supporters to remain calm and avoid criminal behaviour, emphasizing that their goal was to advocate for lawful immigration enforcement.
Despite those calls for restraint, isolated incidents of violence were reported in some areas, prompting police to intervene and increase security.
Meanwhile, controversial activist Ngizwe Mchunu appealed to members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for assistance in controlling large crowds participating in the demonstrations. While walking alongside police officers during the march, Mchunu acknowledged that managing the growing number of protesters had become increasingly difficult without additional law enforcement support.
Police have urged anyone with information relating to the Hillbrow shooting or the unrest that followed to come forward as investigations continue. Authorities are expected to provide further updates once forensic examinations, witness interviews and other investigative processes have been completed.
The incident remains one of several security-related cases being investigated following the June 30 protests, as law enforcement agencies continue working to restore calm in affected areas and ensure those responsible for acts of violence are brought to justice.
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