JUST IN: Police arrest KZN ‘shutdown’ ringleader

The police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested an individual they claim is the ringleader behind a planned protest aimed at shutting down Moses Mabhida Stadium. The suspect had gathered a group of people at King Dinizuku Park with the intention of staging a march to prevent the MTN8 Cup Final between Orlando Pirates FC and Mamelodi Sundowns from taking place.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda warned that anyone who threatens to cause instability would be dealt with according to the law. This arrest comes amid a series of anti-illegal immigrant protests in the province, which have escalated after a Home Affairs directive on asylum seekers was withdrawn. In July, the Constitutional Court ruled that refugees and asylum seekers must be given the opportunity to access processing centres, regardless of how they entered South Africa.

Since the directive's withdrawal, tensions have once again escalated, leading to violent protests in Durban and surrounding suburbs. Police have confirmed the arrest of 15 people following these protests, with more arrests expected as investigations continue.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Citizen's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.