Durban officials move to calm migrant tensions after police-station protest

Officials step in after foreign nationals camp outside Durban Central station

Top KwaZulu‑Natal (KZN) police and Home Affairs officials met with a group of foreign nationals who had camped outside Durban Central police station, seeking protection and shelter after saying they were targeted in neighbourhood attacks.

Who was involved

The group was made up largely of Congolese nationals alongside citizens from other African countries. They spent two nights outside the station after clashing with police and were later moved to the Diakonia Centre in the Durban CBD.

Claims and demands

Protesters told officials they had fled their homes after being targeted by anti‑migrant forces linked to the March and March movement and were asking for shelter and protection.

“We were attacked in our neighbourhoods and forced out of our homes. We are pleading for protection and shelter,”

Officials’ response

Those who attended talks included Acting KZN Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba, Provincial Manager of Home Affairs Cyril Mncwabe, and Naleen Balgobind, Head of Refugee and Asylum Seeker Management in the province. They met with the Congolese Solidarity Campaign at the Home Affairs offices in Umgeni. Also present were Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Vukani Mgobhozi, Acting District Commissioner of eThekwini Brigadier Sakhengenkosi Zuma and SAPS legal representatives.

Grievances about documentation

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the meeting aimed to resolve grievances that sparked the protest. He reported that the group’s leadership had blamed the Department of Home Affairs for rendering them undocumented because of discrepancies in the renewal process.

Home Affairs officials outlined the renewal process and pledged to assist those with expired permits who could show proof of application.

“Those with expired permits were reminded of the process of visiting the refugee centre, getting processed, going to a police station, getting charged and appearing in court,”

Next steps

Authorities confirmed that another meeting will be held on Thursday, 21 May 2026 to verify the group’s legal status and business permits in South Africa and to address safety concerns raised by migrants who say they have been driven from their homes.

Colonel Netshiunda said the Department of Home Affairs and the police remain committed to finding lawful solutions while ensuring the safety of all communities.