Protesters camp outside Durban Home Affairs, vow to block reopening
Protest erupted after foreign nationals were allowed to lodge applications for asylum
A group opposing illegal immigration has vowed to remain outside the Durban Home Affairs refugee reception centre, preventing it from reopening. This group gained prominence this week after foreign nationals were permitted to apply for asylum, following a Constitutional Court ruling in July. Protests against this process turned violent on Thursday and Friday in Durban's CBD.
The Home Affairs department has now withdrawn its directive on the intake of asylum applications. Protesters took part in demonstrations this week, with incidents including burning cars and shop looting in Durban and Soweto. Despite the suspension of the intake process, a member of the group, Felemtwini Gumede, insists they will continue to camp outside the centre to obstruct its opening.
Gumede also expressed frustration over the arrest of their leader, noting that police officers are unaware of the reasons behind these arrests.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
