The South African Police Service (SAPS) SAPS, supported by the Durban Metro Police and various law enforcement partners SAPS, has heavily deployed Public Order Police officers and specialized units to restore calm following violent clashes in the Durban Central Business District (CBD) SAPS on Thursday afternoon.

The unrest began after a group that had concluded a peaceful march against Gender-Based Violence walked down Dr Pixley kaSeme Street.

The group intended to join members of the ‘March and March’ movement Inside Politic who were demonstrating outside the Home Affairs offices.

Preliminary reports indicate that while moving between the locations, an altercation ensued and a march participant was allegedly assaulted by a foreign national, resulting in the victim suffering a broken leg.

The motive behind the assault remains under investigation.

Following the incident, the crowd retaliated angrily, sparking widespread violence across the area.

At least 14 vehicles were set alight during the chaos.

A local warehouse and a lodge building were also partially set on fire, but swift intervention by emergency services ensured the blazes were immediately extinguished.

Police responded rapidly to the escalating situation, maintaining an aggressive stance against public lawlessness.

Three foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with the initial assault.

The situation is being monitored very closely. Additional police columns have been mobilized and deployed to strategic hotspots across the Durban CBD SAPS and its surrounding areas to guarantee public safety, protect property, and ensure total public order.

Law enforcement will remain on high alert, and any further acts of criminality, violence, or destruction of infrastructure will be met with the full force of the law.

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