KZN Premier requests SANDF deployment amid violence in Durban

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has requested the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to help quell widespread violence in Durban. The unrest has also spread to Umlazi and Merebank, south of the city. Protesters, opposing undocumented immigration, continue to loot, damage property, and set buildings and vehicles on fire. This marks the second consecutive day of violence in the Durban city center.

Ntuli stated that law enforcement agencies have been reinforced, but he believes the army's deployment is necessary to restore order. He has already spoken to the Police Minister regarding his request for military intervention. Ntuli emphasized that he will engage protest leaders, while simultaneously reinforcing police presence in the province, with additional officers arriving from outside to assist.

The KwaZulu-Natal Premier raised concerns over investor confidence due to the violent protests in the Durban CBD over the past two days. He warned that continuous protest action signals instability, threatening crucial foreign investment and job creation across the province. Ntuli urged the people of KwaZulu-Natal to unite and prevent destruction and looting in the name of genuine concerns.