Another demonstration against undocumented migrants in Durban descended into violence on Thursday afternoon, with five Congolese nationals injured and one foreign national arrested.
About 100 marchers from an anti-illegal migrant group launched what they described as a “clean-up campaign” against an encampment of several hundred foreign nationals outside a government office in the port city.
The foreigners, many from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been camped at the site for 13 weeks seeking protection from mobs of South Africans targeting undocumented migrants.
Stones thrown, stun grenades deployed
Police said stones were thrown during the confrontation, with one striking an officer. The person who threw it was arrested, though authorities did not provide further details.
Bishop Raphael, a leader of the group of foreigners, told AFP that five Congolese nationals, including two children, were hurt in the clash.
Raphael said the protesters were armed with sticks and tried to attack the camp while police worked to keep the groups apart. Officers used stun grenades to disperse the crowds, which resulted in the injuries.
‘We are not committing any crime’
“The march today was very violent,” said Raphael, who is from the DRC. “They found us here and immediately attacked our people. We are not committing any crime by being here. This is uncalled for.”
Many in the encampment claim to be refugees from the DRC.
Durban has been at the centre of weeks of action against irregular migration. At least four foreign nationals have been killed and tens of thousands have fled the country during this period.
More than 200 000 fled country
Tensions exploded across South Africa after fringe groups campaigning against undocumented migrants set a 30 June deadline for them to leave. More than 200 000 people fled, according to an AFP tally based on figures from African governments that have repatriated their nationals.
While South African police say at least four migrants were killed in the violence, some foreign governments claim the death toll is higher.
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