Durban unrest: Violent protests continue amid army deployment calls

Protesters have allegedly attacked foreign nationals following a commotion at the intersection of Anton Lembede and Dr Yusuf Dadoo Streets in Durban.

The protesters reportedly accused the foreign nationals of possessing firearms.

Police intervened last night and rescued one of the individuals.

Officers struggled to contain the situation as protesters moved through different routes across the Durban Central Business District.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli says he has requested the army’s deployment to help quell widespread violence.

He says the deployment of the SANDF is necessary to restore law and order in the city.

On Friday, protesters opposed to undocumented immigration, looted small businesses and damaged property for a second consecutive day of violence in the city centre.

Ntuli says law enforcement agencies have been reinforced, but with the violence intensifying, he believes the deployment of the army is necessary.

“In fact, I have already spoken to the police minister to say the situation is one where the army is deployed in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

I think they are processing my request because I have already requested for the army to be deployed.

Well, we will engage the leaders that are involved, but at the same time, more police are being deployed in the province, and some arrive from outside to assist.

That is what we have underground, and we are activating to ensure that we calm the situation.” Ntuli has warned that continuous protest action could threaten crucial foreign investment and job creation across the province.

“We are having a conference in KwaZulu-Natal on the 15th, and I’m worried that when this is happening, the confidence of investors is affected adversely.

Hence, I’m calling for the people of KwaZulu-Natal to join hands with us and say no one must destroy, no one must loot in the name of the people who are having genuine concerns”.