- Total: 19 suspects in custody as of 10 October 2026.
- Timing: Four were arrested on Thursday, 8 October (linked to attempted murder and discharging a firearm in public). Fifteen more were arrested on Friday night, 9 October, following continued unrest.
- Profile: KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that the majority are students. He noted that police were surprised by the large number of young people involved, observing that “many of them were young people who were running amok.” Some reports also reference intelligence officers among those involved in the broader operation or monitoring.
Charges and next steps
The suspects face charges of public violence and malicious damage to property, with the possibility of additional charges as investigations continue. The four arrested on Thursday face the more serious counts of attempted murder and discharging a firearm in public. They remain in custody and are expected to appear in court (reports indicate appearances the following week). Detectives and intelligence officers are still searching for others responsible for arson attacks on vehicles and buildings, and further arrests are anticipated.
Context of the violence
The arrests stem from two days of unrest that began on Thursday, 8 October 2026, linked to protests against undocumented foreign nationals and a Home Affairs asylum-application directive (later withdrawn). Incidents included:
- Around 14 vehicles torched in Durban.
- Two houses burnt in the Umbilo area.
- Shops damaged and looted in the CBD and surrounding suburbs.
- Reports of firearms discharged and assaults.
Police used tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. The situation prompted KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli to request SANDF deployment, which was subsequently authorised, with soldiers joining SAPS patrols in the Durban CBD.
Police also publicly dismissed social-media rumours that the unrest would disrupt the MTN8 Cup Final (Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns), confirming the match would proceed with enhanced security.
This remains an active investigation, so the exact number of arrests, specific identities, and final charges may be updated as more information is released by SAPS.
