WHILE no major incidents have been reported in the Durban North area since the start of the March and March protest action this morning (June 30), residents of the Briardene informal settlement say they are living in fear after fires were allegedly lit and an attempt was made to break into a foreign-owned tuckshop.

Also read: Roads north of Durban clear as March and March continues

Speaking to Northglen News on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, a long-time resident of the area said two fires were started in the settlement this morning.

“The first fire was small, but the second was much larger. The fire department responded and managed to extinguish it. It appears that some people in the area are intent on causing trouble,” said the resident.

The resident also alleged that a group of people attempted to break into a tuckshop owned by a foreign national.

“They tried to force open the door and even broke parts of the wall, but they were scared off before they could get inside. They said they would keep coming back until they succeeded,” the resident claimed.

In a separate incident, the resident said a group of young men had been moving through the settlement asking people to produce their identity documents to verify whether they were South African citizens.

“These are young men, probably around 18 or 19 years old. Other residents have told them to stop because we don’t want any unnecessary incidents. We’re worried that someone may confront or assault them.”

The resident described Briardene as a close-knit community and said the events of the morning had left many people feeling unsettled.

“If people want to support the March and March movement, they should go into town. We don’t want violence, intimidation or fires in the Briardene informal settlement.”

Ward councillor Heinz de Boer confirmed that he had received several calls from concerned residents throughout the morning, asking him to contact police.

“I received calls from residents informing me of the incident at around 8am. Law enforcement agencies and multiple security companies responded,” said De Boer.

He praised the rapid response from law enforcement.

“The response time was amazing. There was a massive police presence in the area, and I was very impressed with how quickly they reacted,” he said.

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