An anti-migrant protest in South Africa’s port city of Durban turned violent on Thursday, leaving at least five Congolese nationals injured and one foreign national arrested, according to authorities and community leaders.
The latest unrest comes amid weeks of tensions over irregular migration, with Durban emerging as a major centre of protests targeting undocumented foreigners.
Police said about 100 people linked to an anti-illegal migrant group took part in what they described as a “clean-up campaign” targeting an encampment housing several hundred foreign nationals outside a government office.
Many of those staying at the site are from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They moved to the location about 13 weeks ago while seeking protection from mobs of South Africans protesting against undocumented migrants.
According to police, the confrontation escalated after stones were thrown during the disturbance.
“During the commotion, stones were thrown around, and one which was thrown by a foreign national landed on a police officer,” police said.
Authorities confirmed that one person was arrested in connection with the incident but did not provide further details.
Congolese Community Reports Injuries
Bishop Raphael, a Congolese community leader, said five Congolese nationals, including two children, were injured during the confrontation.
“The march today was very violent,” said Bishop Raphael, who is from the DRC.
He alleged that the protesters attacked the migrant encampment shortly after arriving.
“They found us here and immediately attacked our people. We are not committing any crime by being here. This is uncalled for,” he said.
Many of those living at the camp say they are refugees from the DRC and are seeking safety amid ongoing tensions surrounding migration in South Africa.
Raphael said protesters carrying sticks attempted to enter the encampment, while police tried to keep the two groups apart.
He also said police used stun grenades to disperse the crowds, with the confrontation resulting in injuries.
Rising Tensions Over Irregular Migration
The incident adds to growing tensions across South Africa following campaigns by fringe groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
The groups had previously issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to depart, intensifying fears among foreign nationals and migrant communities.
More than 200,000 people have reportedly fled South Africa, based on an AFP tally using figures released by African governments that have repatriated their citizens.
At least four foreign nationals have been killed during the violence, according to South African police. However, some foreign governments have reported higher death tolls.
The latest violence in Durban highlights the continuing challenges facing South Africa as authorities attempt to manage migration pressures while preventing further clashes between local communities and foreign nationals.
