DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — The second day of Durban anti-immigration protests has erupted into severe violence, with at least three properties set alight and numerous businesses targeted. The unrest, which stems from a wave of anti-immigration demonstrations against a recent ruling on asylum seekers, has left areas of the city engulfed in thick black smoke as demonstrators demand the mass deportation of foreign nationals.
Firefighters have been deployed to extinguish the blazing properties, which include a panel beating shop and a tire business located near a refugee center in the Berea area. Police were forced to chase women and young men out of the burning buildings. As the situation develops, crowds of protesters are reportedly moving toward a petrol station, raising fears of further destruction. Today alone, close to 10 businesses have been targeted, with windows and gates broken during looting sprees.
This follows a chaotic first day of protests where several shops were looted and at least 24 vehicles were torched. The unrest originated at the local refugee center, driven by demonstrators’ frustration over South Africa’s asylum seeker processing procedures. Although the Department of Home Affairs has clarified its position and adjusted its initial proclamation regarding the ruling, protesters argue that misinformation continues to spread.
A protest leader, acting as a spokesperson for the demonstrators, stated that the crowds are tired of the current administrative processes and will not stop until all foreigners—specifically those deemed illegal—are deported from the city.
The demonstrators have also cited local crime as a justification for their actions. The protest leader spokesperson claimed that certain businesses and residences in the Berea area are being used for prostitution, human trafficking, and as drug dens. According to the spokesperson, protesters had accompanied police three days prior to remove alleged drug dealers from the area. Claiming that the authorities failed to act, the leader declared that the crowds are now taking the law into their own hands to “clean up Durban,” alleging that the government and police are ignoring their demands.
In response to the escalating crowds, police have deployed stun grenades and tear gas to regain control. Despite the visible struggle to manage the widespread unrest, the acting minister, serving as the official spokesperson for the government and law enforcement, stated that the situation remains under control. The acting minister assured the public that police would remain on the streets of Durban for as long as necessary.
However, on-the-ground observations suggest that police forces are overwhelmed. While the acting minister confirmed the deployment, large crowds have been seen moving freely through the streets with a noticeable absence of police presence in the specific areas the mobs are targeting next.
