Security stepped up in Durban amid anti-illegal immigration protests and MTN8 final

On Saturday, Durban's police remain on high alert for potential anti-immigration protests in the CBD. A Health Walk organized by the Dr. S.B. Radebe Foundation occurred through the CBD, linking King Dinizulu Park to Blue Lagoon Park. Numerous walkers and supporters, identifiable by blue T-shirts, gathered at Blue Lagoon Park. This is in contrast to the irregular protesting that has occurred since Tuesday, disrupting businesses owned by foreign nationals from neighboring African countries.

The protest's location has been the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road, which has remained peaceful.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a police spokesperson, clarified that the current situation is a crowd management issue. He emphasized the police's duty to protect lives, property, and maintain a balance between allowing lawful protests and enforcing the law. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), comprising various law enforcement agencies, has implemented security measures to ensure safety, peace, and stability before, during, and after the MTN8 Cup Final match. This will be held at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

PROVJOINTS assures football enthusiasts that Durban and surrounding areas will be safe, and the match will occur in a secure environment. They have debunked false social media posts that aim to incite panic and confusion about the match's staging. The police and PROVJOINTS have assured the Premier Soccer League that security plans for the 2026 MTN8 Cup Final remain in place. Violators of security protocols or threats to spectators, officials, players, or any other personnel will face the full force of the law.