Caption: An illegal immigrant was injured during a scuffle. Protestors said they refuse for him to be treated using taxpayers’ money. Photo: Zama Ngcoya

THE Public Order Police Officers and officers from other police units, supported by Durban Metro Police, came out in numbers in an attempt to restore order after the Durban CBD came to a standstill, following violent protests that broke out today (October 8).

According to Colonel Robert Netshuinda, spokesperson for the SAPS in KZN, reports indicated that a group was marching against Gender-Based Violence in the CBD and when they were done marching, they reportedly walked down Dr Pixley kaSeme Street to join the March and March group which was marching at the Home Affairs offices.

“Information at this stage suggests that they were walking, one of them was assaulted by a foreign national and his leg was broken. It is not yet clear what sparked the alleged assault. The group became angry and violence erupted, resulting in the burning of at least 14 vehicles.”

He said that police made three arrests of foreign nationals for the assault. “A building and a warehouse were partially burnt, however the fire was immediately put out.”

Netshiunda said that the police were monitoring the situation and have mobilised police officers to maintain public order in the Durban CBD and surrounding areas.

Also read: VIDEO: Durban refugee reception office shuts down amid protest

This violence erupted after a Constitutional Court ruling declared some elements of the Refugees Act unconstitutional, further citing that asylum seekers were eligible to apply for asylum and could not be deported without full access to the asylum system, amongst other directives.

Protesters are still in the CBD streets, chanting and singing.

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