South African Police Break Up Gathering of Immigrants Seeking Protection Amid Xenophobia
- May 19
- 1 min read
Police in South Africa on Tuesday dispersed a crowd of immigrants who had gathered outside the Durban Central Police Station over fears of possible xenophobic attacks.
The group, made up of men, women and children, reportedly assembled at the station seeking safety following rising hostility toward foreign nationals in parts of the country. Witnesses said many of them were worried after being told by some locals to leave South Africa and return to their countries.
Videos circulating online showed tense scenes around the police facility as armed officers moved in to clear the area while frightened migrants appealed for protection. Some of those gathered said they feared being attacked if they returned to their communities.
Security personnel were later deployed around the area to maintain order and prevent the situation from escalating further. Authorities have yet to confirm whether any arrests or injuries were recorded during the operation.
The incident comes as debates over illegal immigration, unemployment and foreign labour continue to fuel tensions in South Africa. The country has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, with several attacks previously targeting African migrants and foreign-owned businesses.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently condemned xenophobia while defending the country’s immigration policies. He also accused some South Africans of worsening undocumented migration through corrupt practices, including fraudulent marriages and illegal access to government benefits.
The latest developments in Durban have renewed concerns among rights groups and immigrant communities over safety and the recurring threat of xenophobic unrest in South Africa
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