Durban Protests Turn Violent Amid Rising Anti-Immigration Tensions

Durban, South Africa — April 21, 2026

Tensions escalated in Durban on Monday and Tuesday as protests against illegal immigration turned violent, disrupting business activity and heightening fears of xenophobic attacks.

The demonstrations, led by a group identifying itself as the “March and March” movement, were initially presented as a “clean-up campaign” aimed at addressing unregulated street trading in the city’s central business district (CBD). However, the situation deteriorated as clashes broke out between protesters and foreign nationals, resulting in injuries and widespread disruption.

At least one person has been confirmed injured during the unrest, according to local reports, while authorities have not recorded any official deaths as of April 21. Claims circulating on social media suggesting multiple fatalities have not been verified by credible sources and remain unconfirmed.

Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of confrontation in parts of the CBD, including Bertha Mkhize Street, where some protesters allegedly entered shops demanding documentation and trading permits from operators. Several businesses—many believed to be owned by foreign nationals—were forced to shut down amid fears of looting and assault.

In some instances, groups were accused of taking the law into their own hands by attempting to identify undocumented migrants, raising concerns over vigilante-style actions and the potential for further escalation.

Authorities have not released an official breakdown of the nationalities involved in the clashes, though those affected have broadly been described as foreign nationals—a term commonly used in South Africa to refer to migrants from other African countries. No specific nationality has been formally confirmed in connection with the incident.

Law enforcement agencies have since increased their presence across affected areas in an effort to restore calm and prevent further violence. Officials have cautioned that such unregulated actions undermine the rule of law and risk inflaming already fragile community relations.

Civil society organisations and migrant advocacy groups have condemned the developments, warning of a growing pattern of anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. They have called on authorities to ensure the protection of all residents, regardless of nationality.

Meanwhile, organisers of the protest have denied accusations of xenophobia, insisting that their campaign is focused on law enforcement, economic fairness, and urban order. Critics, however, argue that the demonstrations disproportionately target foreign nationals and could fuel broader anti-immigrant tensions.

The unrest comes against a backdrop of persistent economic challenges and high unemployment, factors analysts say often contribute to tensions between local communities and migrant populations. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as calm gradually returns to parts of the city.