One person reportedly shot and cars torched in Durban anti-immigrant protest

An anti-immigrant march in Durban turned violent on Thursday, 8 October 2026, leaving shops looted, vehicles burned, and several people hurt, including an individual reportedly shot. The chaos erupted as hundreds of participants, including members of March and March and affiliated groups, stormed through the city center targeting suspected immigrants. Shops were vandalized and some were broken into, while at least two more individuals suffered assaults.

Police confirmed one protester was assaulted but were still gathering information about the incident. The whereabouts of the individual shot remain unclear. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a spokesperson for KZN SAPS, attributed the lack of preparedness to the unplanned nature of the march. Police presence in the area was aimed at monitoring the situation.

The march originated from the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre, moving to a scrapyard suspected of being owned by an immigrant, which was set ablaze. At least one person was assaulted during this phase. The protest followed an announcement last Monday that all asylum seekers could apply for asylum, following a Constitutional Court ruling in July.

March and March denied organizing the protest but spokesperson Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said they were there to express their dissatisfaction with the government. Despite claims of peaceful demonstration, the group quickly gained more members, causing widespread damage. GroundUp counted over 15 broken windows on Gillespie Street, including a crèche. Immigrants retaliated by throwing objects at protesters. A liquor store was also vandalized and looted with minimal police intervention.

One immigrant man suffered a head injury after being hit with a stick, while another was dragged out of his store and left with a bleeding head. Despite threats and harassment, GroundUp reporters continued to document the events. Protesters remained in the city center as of 6pm.