DURBAN — Amid reports of looting, vehicles burning, property damage and tension in KwaZulu-Natal, Premier Thami Ntuli has reportedly requested the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Durban.

The unrest comes amid renewed tensions over migration following a court ruling that declared certain provisions of the country’s refugee legislation unconstitutional, requiring the government to resume processing some asylum applications. The protests also follow allegations that a foreign national assaulted a demonstrator in Durban on Thursday.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, police spokesperson in KZN, confirmed that fifteen suspects were arrested on Friday night following violent protests in Durban and surrounding suburbs. This brings the number of suspects arrested to 19, including the four suspects who were arrested on Thursday for attempted murder and discharging a firearm in public.

Police said at least 14 vehicles were burnt during the clashes in Durban. Reports also indicated that businesses run by foreign nationals were targeted, with some shops looted and a municipal building catching fire. These incidents occurred amid heightened tensions over undocumented immigration and renewed anti-immigration demonstrations.

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The suspects will face charges of public violence and malicious damage to property, with the possibility of other charges being added. Two houses were burnt in the Umbilo area and several shops were damaged in and around Durban, while some of those damaged shops were looted.

Most of the arrested suspects are students and iIntelligence officers and detectives are continuing the search for those responsible for the burning of vehicles and buildings. The suspects will appear in court soon.

“Police in KwaZulu-Natal hereby dispel rumours and misleading information circulating on social media regarding the MTN8 Cup Final match between Orlando Pirates FC and Mamelodi Sundowns,” Netshiunda said.

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“The match is going ahead as planned and police have put the necessary measures to protect spectators, officials and players. All roads leading to the stadium are open and will remain open. Anybody who attempts to stage any kind of protest on the routes leading to the stadium, or anywhere in the vicinity of Moses Mabhida Stadium will be met with the strong arm of the law.”