Durban CBD On Edge as Anti-illegal Immigration Protests Intensify

• About 50 protesters gathered in Durban's CBD on Thursday before splitting up and moving through the city centre
• A video circulating on social media appeared to show a woman being struck with a belt on Bond Street and told to leave
• Business owners said they were relying on police, private security and WhatsApp groups to track potential disruptions

DURBAN — Anti-illegal immigration demonstrations in Durban's city centre escalated on Thursday, with reports of assaults, intimidation and panic spreading through parts of the CBD.

Roughly 50 protesters convened on Dr A.B. Xuma Street, commonly referred to as Nicol Square, before breaking into smaller groups and fanning out across the city centre. Some moved towards Bertha Mkhize Street, formerly Victoria Street, where incidents involving foreign nationals and local shopkeepers were reported.

Assaults and panic in the CBD

A video shared on social media appeared to show a woman being struck with what looked like a belt on Bond Street, with those filming allegedly telling her to vacate the area. WhatsApp voice notes also circulated, with one message claiming a shop on Prince Edward Street was being looted and people assaulted. Business owners later clarified that no goods were taken, saying shopkeepers managed to pull down their security shutters before any theft could occur.

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Two business owners operating in the Dr Yusuf Dadoo precinct, historically known as the Grey Street Casbah, said they were dependent on police communication, private security personnel and WhatsApp groups to stay informed about potential disruptions nearby.

The Durban CBD Community Policing Forum confirmed that an incident involving individuals allegedly carrying sticks had resulted in foreign nationals and shopkeepers being intimidated and physically assaulted. The CPF acknowledged the response of SAPS, Metro Police, Urban Defence and private security teams, crediting their intervention with restoring order.

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Patrols deployed, suspects taken for questioning

Durban Metro Police spokesperson Boysie Zungu said officers were conducting regular patrols throughout the CBD and surrounding areas to maintain public safety. Several individuals were reportedly taken to Durban Central SAPS for questioning, though police had not confirmed whether any formal arrests were made.

Business owners have also raised concerns about retaliation. At least one source indicated that certain traders had received death threats after identifying suspects or opening criminal cases.

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March and March Movement vows to continue

The unrest is part of an ongoing campaign by the March and March movement, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma. Previously, Briefly News reported that the organisation pledged to stage demonstrations every Thursday until the government responds to its demands. The movement is calling for tighter visa controls, reforms to the asylum system and enforcement action against employers who hire undocumented workers.Similar protests have been reported across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape in recent weeks.

Source: Briefly News