Durban Protest Escalates as Police Deploy Stun Grenades and Rubber Bullets to Disperse Crowd

Protest in Durban’s Umbilo Area Turns Chaotic

Police intervention was required in Durban’s Umbilo area after a march became violent on Tuesday afternoon. Public Order Police (POP) deployed stun grenades and fired rubber bullets to disperse a crowd of protesters who had reportedly ignored the terms of an interim court order.

Marchers Defy Interim Court Order

The protest unfolded along Che Guevara Road, where marchers allegedly left the gazebos set up opposite the Home Affairs offices and began moving down the street just after 3pm. The court order in effect specifically prohibited marches after 15h00, the carrying of dangerous weapons, and concealment of faces by masks or other items during marches.

According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers reminded participants of these restrictions before the situation deteriorated. Netshiunda stated,

“Public Order Police officers stopped the marchers and reminded them about the interim court order which prohibited marches after 15h00, the carrying of dangerous weapons and the wearing of masks and other items to hide faces during marches.”

Violence Erupts During Confrontation

The confrontation escalated when the groupwhich reportedly included individuals armed with sticks and some hiding their facesbecame violent, allegedly throwing stones at the police. The march was not managed by marshals as required by law, contributing to the loss of control.

To restore order, officers used minimum force. Stun grenades and rubber bullets were deployed as part of their crowd management response. Police reported that no injuries were sustained during the dispersal.

Community and Leadership Presence

Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma was allegedly present at the scene, reportedly intervening as tensions grew. In social media videos, her husband, Xolani Zuma, was also seen in dialogue with police officers during the standoff.

This latest protest occurred as the government prepares to launch a digital asylum system, amidst ongoing demonstrations outside the Home Affairs offices in Umbiloan area that has seen repeated gatherings and disruptions in recent times.

Official Investigation Launched

SAPS has initiated an investigation into potential violations of the court order, specifically regarding the organisation of the march, the possession of dangerous weapons, the use of masks, and assault on police officers.

Colonel Netshiunda confirmed:

“Police are continuing to manage the situation on the ground. No injuries were reported to the police.”

Broader Implications and Local Concerns

This incident highlights ongoing tensions related to service delivery, public demonstration rights, and law enforcement’s responsibility to uphold interim court orders. While the immediate clash did not result in injuries, such escalations serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between the right to protest and the necessity for public order.

Protests in South Africa are often subject to legal parameters, including restrictions on dangerous weapons, concealed identities, and the presence of marshals to ensure the safety of participants and the public. When these conditions are breached, police typically intervene to restore order, sometimes involving non-lethal crowd control measures.

Ongoing Developments

Authorities remain on alert as investigations proceed, with the situation in Durban’s Umbilo area reflecting broader challenges cities face in managing lawful protest and community response. As government initiatives such as the upcoming digital asylum system move forward, further public gatherings or reactions may unfold.

Updates are expected as the investigation by SAPS into the events and alleged breaches continues.