Demonstrators carrying sticks and sjamboks clashed with public order police and asylum seekers outside the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road in Durban Central.
Escalation and Police Response
- Disruption at Home Affairs: Members of the anti-immigration movement forced approximately 1,000 asylum seekers—who had gathered to process applications—out of lines surrounding the facility.
- Police Action: Demonstrators pushed past police barricades, throwing stones and bottles. Public order police deployed stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
- Widespread Disturbance: Unrest spilled over into surrounding CBD streets, with reports of foreign-owned shops looted and vehicles damaged.
Safety Advisories
- The U.S. Consulate General in Durban issued a security alert warning citizens to avoid the Durban CBD due to ongoing looting, stone-throwing, and heavy police activity.
