Protests broke out in Durban, South Africa, on Friday, with demonstrators taking to the streets hours after violent clashes in the city centre. The unrest saw 14 cars and buildings set on fire, shops looted, and clashes between protesters and foreign nationals. The violence erupted after the Department of Home Affairs instructed refugee reception offices to receive asylum applications in person.
The Department of Home Affairs subsequently withdrew the directive, but protests continued, with a group gathering outside the refugee office in Che Guevara. Tensions had been building in the area, with clashes between asylum seekers and locals reported on Thursday morning. Despite the withdrawal of the directive, protesters continued to gather, with a group of around 200 marching through the streets, accompanied by police.
The protests centred around Dr Pixley kaSeme Street, where most of the unrest took place, but the area was quiet as police patrolled it. However, by mid-morning, the group of protesters had grown and was marching through the streets, with police present. The situation was being closely monitored by top police officials, including Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The protests have raised concerns for the safety of sports fans attending two major events in Durban this weekend. The first Test series between the Proteas and Australia is taking place at the Kingsmead Oval, starting on Friday. On Saturday, a sell-out crowd is expected for the MTN8 final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Police top brass, including Cachalia and Mkhwanazi, were in an operational meeting with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and other government officials to assess the situation and plan for the deployment of law enforcement. They were expected to go on a walk-about to monitor the situation and assess public order in and around Durban.
The threats of public violence and disruption have prompted concerns about the safety of fans attending the sports events. The authorities are working to ensure that the situation is brought under control and that fans can attend the events without incident. The events are expected to draw large crowds, and the police are working to ensure that they are able to provide adequate security.
The situation in Durban remains volatile, with ongoing protests and concerns about public safety. The authorities are working to address the underlying issues and ensure that the sports events can take place without disruption. Fans are advised to stay informed about the situation and follow the instructions of the authorities.
Key points
- The protests and violence in Durban have raised concerns for the safety of sports fans attending two major events in the city this weekend.
- The authorities are working to ensure that the situation is brought under control and that fans can attend the events without incident.
- The events are expected to draw large crowds, and the police are working to ensure that they are able to provide adequate security.
