19 arrested in Durban anti-undocumented immigration protests
Police and security companies are currently patrolling the streets in the CBD after violence
In Durban, over 19 individuals have been apprehended for engaging in violent protests and causing damage to property, according to the police. The unrest has been ongoing for two days now, with law enforcement and security firms maintaining a strong presence in the central business district (CBD) after incidents of violence and looting on Friday.
A local businesswoman, who owns a salon and laundry business employing around 22 people, expressed her devastation as her businesses were broken into, looted, and set ablaze. She reported that numerous televisions were stolen, and tensions are still high in the city center. The SABC News reported this incident on October 9, 2026.
The protests erupted when some residents in the Point area threw stones at the marchers against undocumented migrants. Provincial police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed that several arrests have been made, but the exact number is still being tallied. He mentioned that most of the arrested individuals are students, which is not surprising given the large number of young people involved.
Those arrested are charged with public violence and malicious property damage. Netshiunda stated that additional charges may be issued pending further investigation.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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