KwaZulu-Natal police warn anti-immigrant protesters after Durban violence

Demonstrations by March and March Movement escalated into assaults on foreign nationals and business closures across the city centre.

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have warned protesters targeting foreign nationals in Durban to cease violent activities or face arrest after demonstrations escalated into assaults and widespread business closures this week¹³⁵.

The March and March Movement led protests on Monday and Tuesday in what the organisation described as a "clean-up" campaign demanding removal of undocumented foreigners from Durban¹⁵. Videos circulating on social media showed foreign nationals being beaten, prompting calls for police intervention¹. Violence intensified on Tuesday after a group of men attacked a woman participating in the protest, with locals believing the attackers were foreign nationals⁵.

Many shops owned by both South Africans and foreign nationals have closed due to fear of attack³⁵. A strong police contingent has been deployed to patrol the streets³.

Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi issued a stern warning against the protests, stating that citizens lack authority and skills to verify documentation status²⁴. "Citizens do not have the responsibility to check whether people are documented or not," he said²⁴. "They lack the necessary skills to determine if the documents a person is holding are legitimate."²⁴

Mkhwanazi warned that continued intimidation would lead to tragedy, noting protesters might target South Africans mistaken for foreign nationals²⁴. "What becomes even more disturbing is that their march seems to target those who are mostly of African origin," he said²⁴. He urged the public to report suspicions to police, who would conduct investigations and deportations if necessary²⁴. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said authorities plan to meet with March and March organisers to discuss their activities³.

DA eThekwini councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker criticised the municipality's response as showing "disregard for the safety and wellbeing of residents"¹. The DA stated that while residents have the right to raise concerns, protests must remain lawful and peaceful, calling criminal acts carried out under the guise of protest unacceptable¹.

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma alleged that foreign-owned businesses serve as fronts for drug trafficking⁵.