Chaos erupted in the Durban city centre on Thursday, 8 October 2026, during a march by hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters. The protesters, including members of March and March and affiliated groups, targeted people they suspected of being immigrants, vandalising and looting dozens of stores. Several vehicles were set alight, and at least one person was rushed to hospital after reportedly being shot near Dr Pixley KaSeme Street.
According to KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, police were not initially aware of the shooting, but were working to gather reports of incidents that occurred during the march. He stated that unplanned marches created a challenging situation for police, who were stretched while policing one march when another began, leading to violence. Netshiunda confirmed that one protester had been assaulted and that police would remain in the area to monitor the situation.
The march had begun at the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre, where protesters gathered to express their dissatisfaction with the current situation. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma of March and March addressed the media, stating that the group had a right to demonstrate and would continue to do so until the government found a solution. However, the group later split into smaller factions, with one group marching to an IFP rally and another, less organised group causing destruction in the city.
GroundUp reporters witnessed widespread destruction, including over 15 broken windows on Gillespie Street, and a liquor store that was vandalised and looted. Metro police were present but appeared to be waiting for SAPS Public Order Police to arrive. An immigrant man reported being dragged out of his store and assaulted by protesters, while GroundUp reporters were also threatened and harassed by protesters.
The violence was reportedly sparked by a long-standing dispute over immigration, which has led to tensions in the area. The Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre had recently announced that all asylum seekers could apply for asylum, following a Constitutional Court ruling in July. This decision had led to long lines of asylum seekers outside the centre, and protests had been ongoing for several days.
The condition of the person reportedly shot is yet to be confirmed, and police are still gathering reports of incidents that occurred during the march. Colonel Netshiunda acknowledged that the police could have been better prepared for the march, but attributed the challenges to the unplanned nature of the event.
The aftermath of the violence has left the community on edge, with many calling for calm and an end to the violence. The situation remains volatile, and it is unclear what the future holds for the area. The incident has highlighted the need for greater understanding and dialogue between different groups in the community.
Key points
- At least one person was reportedly shot and several others injured during the anti-immigrant march in Durban.
- The march had been organised to express dissatisfaction with the current immigration situation, but descended into violence.
- Police are still gathering reports of incidents that occurred during the march and are working to maintain order in the area.
