South African police used rubber bullets and tear gas on Monday to disperse hundreds of protesters in Durban who were demanding stricter action against undocumented immigrants.
The demonstration, which drew members of political parties and the anti-immigration group Operation Dudula, saw participants march through parts of the coastal city carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for tougher enforcement of immigration laws. Protesters specifically referenced migrants from countries including Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico and others, accusing some foreign nationals of contributing to unemployment and crime.
Police said they intervened after parts of the march became tense, with reports of harassment of bystanders and isolated incidents of looting. Several shop owners had reportedly closed their businesses ahead of the protest due to fears of violence.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba addressed supporters during the gathering, warning that South Africa could not ignore what he described as growing pressure from undocumented migration.
“We are seeing our government allowing our country to be flooded by groups from all over the world… this is unacceptable,” he said, urging authorities to tighten immigration enforcement.
An elderly resident, 81-year-old Thembi Dlamini from Clermont west of Durban, also voiced concern, blaming corruption and weak enforcement for worsening illegal immigration and related social pressures.
“Jobs are being taken away… where will our children get jobs?” she said.
The protest comes amid heightened tensions in South Africa over unemployment, which currently stands at about 32 percent, as well as ongoing public debate over immigration policy, border control, and economic hardship.
Authorities have urged calm while monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
