News / Africa
More foreigner trouble in Durban
09 Apr 2015 at 08:49hrs | Views
Durban - Riot police used a water cannon, tear gas and stun grenades to force back foreign nationals who defied an order not to march in Durban
Over 300 foreign nationals gathered at Curries Fountain in central Durban to march to Durban's city hall after a recent spate of xenophobic attacks. They were initially due to march before Easter, before police postponed it.
The group had applied for permission to march on Wednesday, and it had been granted. After they had gathered, police cancelled the march, citing an imminent threat to the group.
The angry group gathered in the street but about 30 riot police blocked their path and used teargas and a water cannon to disperse them. According to a source at the scene, the police ended up guarding the foreigners from the South Africans who wanted to provoke them.
A source in the neighborhood has revealed that angry South African mobs were burning down foreigners shacks in the Chatsworth township. The South African Police tried to evacuate some foreigners to safety but some refused for fear of deportation.
In Sydenham, about 100 residents also attacked foreign nationals at an informal settlement. Police tried to assist the foreigners who were under attack and the locals started attacking the police with stones. Police had to fire rubber bullets to disperse the unruly crowd. Police has however managed to contain the situation.
In Cape Town, a report came that in Khayelitsha the locals have blocked roads and burning tyres but no reports of violence have been reported.
A Whatsapp message was sent yesterday warning all foreigners to be aware of a massive xenophobic attack. The SMS is being looked into by the police.
Over 300 foreign nationals gathered at Curries Fountain in central Durban to march to Durban's city hall after a recent spate of xenophobic attacks. They were initially due to march before Easter, before police postponed it.
The group had applied for permission to march on Wednesday, and it had been granted. After they had gathered, police cancelled the march, citing an imminent threat to the group.
The angry group gathered in the street but about 30 riot police blocked their path and used teargas and a water cannon to disperse them. According to a source at the scene, the police ended up guarding the foreigners from the South Africans who wanted to provoke them.
In Sydenham, about 100 residents also attacked foreign nationals at an informal settlement. Police tried to assist the foreigners who were under attack and the locals started attacking the police with stones. Police had to fire rubber bullets to disperse the unruly crowd. Police has however managed to contain the situation.
In Cape Town, a report came that in Khayelitsha the locals have blocked roads and burning tyres but no reports of violence have been reported.
A Whatsapp message was sent yesterday warning all foreigners to be aware of a massive xenophobic attack. The SMS is being looked into by the police.
Source - Levie Tsongo
