Police have stepped up efforts to contain violent anti-immigration protests in Durban after a series of incidents involving burning vehicles, damaged property and fires at buildings left communities on edge.
The unrest, which intensified on Thursday and continued into Friday, affected several parts of the city, including the central business district (CBD) and Berea. Police are investigating multiple incidents as authorities work to restore calm and prevent further violence.
By Saturday, the number of people arrested in connection with the unrest had risen to 19.
Fires and destruction reported across the city
Several vehicles were reportedly set alight during the protests, while fires were also reported at properties in Durban.
On Friday afternoon, a house was set alight in the Berea area, and a motorbike was reportedly burned on Clark Road. A second-hand tyre shop operating on vacant land was also set on fire.
Firefighters responded to the incidents as police maintained a visible presence in affected areas.
The reason behind the fire at the Berea house remains unclear. Claims that the property was allegedly associated with prostitution and drug-related activities have not been independently confirmed.
Vaughan Reid, chairperson of the Umbilo Community Policing Forum, described the situation as volatile and reported incidents of protesters throwing stones at vehicles and windows.
The damage has raised concerns about the safety of residents, motorists and business owners caught up in the unrest.
Nineteen suspects arrested
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that 19 suspects had been arrested in connection with incidents linked to the protests.
Fifteen suspects were arrested on Friday night, following four arrests made on Thursday.
The first four suspects were arrested in connection with allegations of attempted murder and discharging a firearm in public.
Netshiunda said the suspects would face charges of public violence and malicious damage to property, with additional charges potentially being added as investigations continue.
Detectives are still searching for people suspected of involvement in the burning of vehicles and buildings.
Police use crowd-control measures
As large crowds continued moving towards Durban’s CBD, police deployed public order management teams to respond to escalating tensions.
Officers used tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets during crowd-control operations.
Netshiunda said police had a responsibility to protect lives and property while respecting the constitutional right of people to demonstrate peacefully.
He emphasised that officers would intervene when circumstances required it, using the minimum force necessary within the law to restore order.
Acting National Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also visited Durban’s CBD as authorities monitored developments.
Similar tensions reported in Johannesburg
The unrest in Durban comes amid anti-immigration protests elsewhere in the country.
In Johannesburg’s CBD, four people were arrested following similar demonstrations. Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni warned that anyone found inciting violence, looting or damaging property would face arrest.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations into the incidents in Durban and Johannesburg proceed.
With 19 arrests recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, police are continuing their efforts to identify further suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported fires and property damage.