March and March protest in Durban turned violent, with vehicles set alight in the CBD.

Protesters linked to the March and March movement (an anti-illegal immigration group led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma) gathered outside the Department of Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road (also known as Moore Road) in Berea/Umbilo. They aimed to block asylum seekers from accessing the facility, which had been processing applications following a recent Constitutional Court ruling that eased certain barriers.
The demonstration then moved into the Durban CBD. According to multiple outlets:

Several vehicles were set alight on Dr Pixley KaSeme Street (formerly West Street) and nearby areas. Fire services responded.
A scrapyard opposite the refugee centre (reportedly operated by a foreign national) was also set on fire.
Protesters shut down or targeted businesses owned by people from other African countries; some accounts mention alleged looting or stone-throwing at places such as the China Mall in the Point area.
Public Order Police and private security were deployed; they cordoned off streets and worked to contain splinter groups.

Videos and eyewitness posts from the day show burning cars and police activity in the CBD. Similar or related protests were reported in other cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Eastern Cape).
Broader context
March and March has organised repeated “clean-up” actions and marches in Durban throughout 2026, focusing on undocumented migrants, spaza shops, and the refugee camp that had formed outside the Home Affairs office. Earlier incidents (notably in September) involved physical clashes, injuries, rubber bullets/stun grenades, and attempts to burn migrants’ belongings. A database of victim testimonies published days earlier documented months of reported assaults, intimidation, and displacement linked to the group’s supporters.
The movement presents itself as non-violent and law-abiding while demanding stricter immigration enforcement, prioritisation of South African citizens, and action against what it calls abuse of the asylum system. Critics and affected communities describe the actions as xenophobic or vigilantism. Police have previously stated they will protect the right to peaceful protest but act against violence or criminality.
This remains a developing situation as of the afternoon of 8 October 2026. Official SAPS or municipal updates on exact numbers of vehicles damaged, injuries, or arrests may still be forthcoming. For the latest, check local outlets such as TimesLIVE, IOL, SABC, or official police statements.