A fire broke out at a scrapyard near Durban's refugee reception centre on October 8, 2026, as protests continued in the area. The protests led to the closure of the centre, disrupting services for asylum seekers. According to reports, the protests started outside the centre and later spread to the Durban central business district. Police responded to the situation, using rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse violent crowd members.
The protests and subsequent violence resulted in significant damage to property. At least 14 cars were torched, and a building was set alight in the central business district. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, stated that police were stretched by several demonstrations and that reinforcements could be brought in if needed. The police were visible in the area, attempting to restore order.
The closure of the refugee reception centre was confirmed by SABC News, which reported that services would not be available for the day. Reporter Nonjabulo Mntungwa-Makamu stated that police had dispersed the crowd, but it was not clear when services would resume. The centre's closure added to the challenges faced by asylum seekers in the area.
The protests and violence appeared to be part of a larger anti-immigrant march in the area. The situation was volatile, with attempts to break into closed shops reported. EWN's reporter saw these attempts firsthand, indicating that the situation was still unstable. The police presence was visible, but it was unclear if the area had returned to normal.
Firefighters responded to a fire near the Che Guevara Road offices, which was set alight with tyres and debris. Police used pepper spray during confrontations outside the centre, and asylum seekers were asked to leave. The protests then moved into the Durban central business district, causing traffic disruptions on Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Dr AB Xuma streets.
The exact identity of those responsible for the protests and violence was not established. However, the situation highlighted the tensions in the area and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining order. The police were working to restore calm and ensure public safety.
The aftermath of the protests and violence would likely be assessed, and measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the focus was on restoring order and providing support to those affected. The situation in Durban remained volatile, with ongoing efforts to stabilize the area.
Key points
- The protests and violence in Durban resulted in the closure of the refugee reception centre and significant property damage.
- The police responded to the situation, using rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse violent crowd members.
- The exact identity of those responsible for the protests and violence was not established.
