Zilungile Mkhize
Tensions have escalated in the Durban CBD following violent clashes between South Africans and foreign nationals.
The unrest follows a shooting in which a South African man was allegedly shot by a foreign national. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been confirmed by police.
At least 14 vehicles have been torched, while several shops have reportedly been looted and damaged. Dr Pixley Ka Seme, Russell and Brook Streets were among the areas cordoned off by police as public order officers worked to contain the situation.
The unrest came a day after protests that began outside the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Moore Road where anti-illegal immigration groups had gathered. Police earlier advised hundreds of asylum seekers to leave the area for their safety.
Another march against escalating GBV in the country that was led by leader of Insizwa Ngobunsizwa, Nkosikhona “Phakelumthakathi” Ndabandaba, and the IFP had moved along Dr Pixley Ka Seme street just before tensions escalated.
Phakelumthakathi has appealed for calm, saying members of his group must be reprimanded when they do something wrong.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda has previously warned that violence, intimidation and criminality against foreign nationals will not be tolerated, saying immigration matters must be dealt with through lawful processes.
