Police were forced to use rubber bullets to disperse rioters in Durban’s CBD on Thursday afternoon after a protest near the Refugee Reception Centre on Moore Road escalated into violence and fires.
Several vehicles were reportedly set alight on West Street, with videos from the scene showing cars burning and thick smoke rising above parts of the city centre.
The unrest followed a protest involving members and supporters of the March and March movement at the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre.
What began as a planned demonstration reportedly escalated, with crowds blocking roads and fires being reported in surrounding areas before the unrest spread further into the CBD.
Videos circulating on social media showed burning vehicles and police in riot gear responding to the situation.
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Social media reports claimed that some of the vehicles targeted belonged to foreign nationals. This could not be independently confirmed at the time of publication.
Police and private security personnel were deployed as authorities attempted to disperse the crowds and regain control of affected areas.
Motorists were advised to avoid parts of the Durban CBD, particularly areas around Dr Pixley KaSeme Street, Che Guevara Road, West Street and the Refugee Reception Centre, while the situation remained volatile.
The unrest caused significant disruption to traffic, with reports of road blockages and businesses closing or lowering their shutters as a precaution.
Durban Sun will update this report as more information becomes available from police and other official sources.
