Police used force to disperse anti-immigrant protesters in Durban as tensions over foreigners and unemployment escalated in South Africa.
South African police fired teargas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters in Durban on Wednesday, as tensions rose over the presence of foreign nationals, including Nigerians. The protest was driven by growing public concern over unemployment, crime, and immigration policies ahead of upcoming local elections.
The demonstration, led by groups including Operation Dudula and supported by political figures such as Herman Mashaba, saw protesters chanting and demanding stricter immigration enforcement. Violence broke out when a faction of the crowd reportedly looted shops and harassed bystanders, prompting police intervention.
South Africa, with an unemployment rate of about 32 percent, remains a major destination for migrants, fueling resentment among locals. Authorities say around three million foreigners live in the country, as concerns persist over job competition, illegal documentation, and rising xenophobic sentiments.
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