Tensions Flare in Durban as ‘Clean-Up’ March Sparks Violence and Assault on Police Officer
A foreign national has been arrested after a police officer was struck with a stone during violent clashes in Umbilo, Durban, on Thursday afternoon.
The confrontation erupted on Che Guevara Road outside the local Home Affairs office, where a group of foreign nationals had been camping.
Tensions escalated when approximately 100 marchers arrived to execute what they described as a “clean-up campaign.”
During the demonstration, marchers allegedly began removing essential personal belongings belonging to the campers, triggering a physical altercation between the two groups.
A heavy deployment of KwaZulu-Natal law enforcement officers quickly intervened to control the chaos.
As the situation deteriorated, individuals from both sides began hurling stones. One projectile, reportedly thrown by a foreign national, struck an on-duty police officer.
In response, authorities utilized proportional, minimum crowd management force to disperse the crowd and restore order to the area.
KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that calm has since been restored to Che Guevara Road, though the area remains monitored.
Legal proceedings are currently underway to formally register the case against the arrested suspect, who will appear in court once all preliminary administrative processes are finalized.
Law enforcement officials issued a strict warning following the incident, stating that public violence investigations are actively ongoing.
Authorities emphasized that anyone discovered to have incited the violence or participated in vigilante actions will face the full might of the law.
