protest
Zainul Dawood|Published
Most Durban businesses have shut operations in anticipation of any attacks and looting by anti- immigration protestors on Thursday.
Protestors allegedly attacked the VFS Global Home Affairs Visa Application Centre in lower Berea. Subsequently, there were at least six-armed guards split into groups outside the office on Linden Road.
Guards declined entry to the road to members of the public. The extent of the damages to the office was unknown.
Ranger Security, a private security company, reported that protesters reportedly fired shots in the Linden Road area and attempted to force their way into the office. The company advised business owners and residents to remain on high alert and avoid confrontation.
Shops closed
In the CBD, 80% of the shops were closed. Some shops traded in fear with half-open shutters and wide-eyed workers keeping a lookout for protests. A businessman who had closed his store out of fear said they are struggling to pay for their rental. He said some landlords charged up to R70,000 in rent per month.
“Even when we close, we are scared that the locks will be broken on the gates and the shop will be looted. It has happened in several shops, with the latest on Wednesday on Prince Edward Street. To replace the stock and pay the supplier is a setback for us,” he said.
On Joe Slovo Street formerly Field Street, in the Durban CBD, a woman who did not want to be identified said the business owner locked customers inside when alleged March and March Movement protestors unexpectedly arrived outside the store on Wednesday.
“Fearing for his safety and ours, the shop owner immediately locked the shop, leaving 21 customers and 15 staff members inside. All we could hear was chanting and banging on the entrance door,” she said.
Meanwhile, the March and March Movement is expected to meet with motorbike owners and their drivers on Thursday to discuss a possible convoy through Durban from 5pm. The convoy is expected to start on Che Guevara Road.
On Wednesday, October 21, e-hailing drivers in Durban drove through parts of the Durban CBD alongside March and March protesters. It remains unclear what the convoys aim to achieve.
Murder
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have opened a case of murder for investigation following an incident in which a Ugandan man was assaulted and stabbed on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a group of people was marching on Dr Pixley kaSeme Street formerly West Street) towards Maud Mfusi Street.
“Two males reportedly pulled off from the group and approached a man who was on the roadside. It is further alleged that the victim was then assaulted by a group of people,”he said.
Police are following several leads to identify possible suspects. Netshiunda said the motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.
Meanwhile, outside the Home Affairs Durban Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road, at least six public order policing trucks were parked outside with a dozen police vehicles alongside them. The reception centre has been temporarily closed since the protests intensified a months ago.
IOL