Police fire rubber bullets as protests turn violent in Durban CBD

Tensions flared in Durban’s CBD on Tuesday after police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades at a group of foreign nationals protesting outside the Durban Central Police Station. 

At least three protesters were allegedly shot during the confrontation, reigniting concerns over rising anti-immigration tensions across the country.

The group had gathered at the police station seeking protection, claiming they feared attacks linked to anti-immigrant protests that have intensified in several parts of South Africa.

Many protestors said they had received threats from members of the AmaBhinca Nation, who allegedly warned foreign nationals to leave the country before 30 June.

“Don’t try and oppose what we are doing. Don’t listen to the government, police or anyone. Just listen to us. We are saying this peacefully, please go to your country.  30 June is the deadline. You must leave before then because I cannot control the people of South Africa after that,” said the AmaBhinca member. 

A refugee leader criticised police action, saying: “It’s not possible that you run to the police for protection and the same police shoot people.”

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, defended officers’ actions. 

Speaking to the public broadcaster, Netshiunda said police first attempted to negotiate with protesters before force was used.

“When we are doing crowd control, there are principles that police follow. We negotiate until we come to a stage where we need to exert minimum, legal, proficient force,” said Netshiunda. 

He claimed protesters were blocking entrances and disrupting operations at the station, forcing police to intervene.

The incident comes amid growing tensions over undocumented immigration and growing calls from anti-immigration groups, including March and March, demanding that foreign nationals leave the country. 

In a newsletter issued last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa, warned against vigilantism and unlawful actions targeting migrants.

“Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” Ramaphosa said, adding that only the state has the authority to enforce immigration laws.

What is happening in Durban? Foreign Nationals decided protest or camp out the Durban Police station. pic.twitter.com/ifwbwAN6ls

— Mlungisi Ntshangase (@Mlu__N77) May 19, 2026

This group of foreign nationals in Durban ngathi ithunyiwe nje.

— Cyd 🇿🇦🇵🇸 (@CydNsibande) May 19, 2026

Apperantly foreign informal traders in KZN particularly Durban are not allowed to trade and many south african traders have been making profits because of that. This is why they are protesting many of them say they dont have anything to eat but these are hardworkers.@LadyMpopi

— Patriot 🇿🇦 (@PatrioticNews24) May 19, 2026