South Africa migration protest in Durban met with rubber bullets as deportation delays grow

Police in South Africa used rubber bullets and stun grenades on Wednesday as migrants protested near a community hall in Durban. Authorities were processing thousands of people there for removal from the country. The unrest came as immigration tensions rose across Africa’s richest country. Recent anti-migrant marches and reported attacks on foreign nationals added pressure.

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Television footage showed protesters in the streets near the hall throwing rocks, sticks and logs at officers. Police then fired rubber bullets and used stun grenades to push people back. Local media said small groups clashed with police after delays in travel plans. Officials linked the gathering to a long wait for repatriation transport.

South Africa immigration crackdown and Durban deportation processing

Authorities said most people outside the hall were Malawians who arrived over a week ago. Malawi had arranged buses for voluntary return, officials said. The premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province said nearly 10,000 Malawians were camping in a park nearby. Many were waiting for transport to go back to Malawi.

As the wait continued, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it set up an immigration court at the hall. The ministry said this shift started formal deportation procedures for those without valid papers. Officials also continued to check documents for others at the site. The hall remained the centre for processing and case decisions.

South Africa immigration crackdown figures and Home Affairs deportation data

The Home Affairs Ministry said at least 1,876 people had been identified as lacking proper documents. Those people would be deported, the ministry said. Verification work for others was still underway. The mayor of Durban said the final number could be much higher. More than 6,000 Malawians could ultimately be deported.

Several African governments have arranged returns from South Africa after threats and attacks. Malawi was among at least five countries taking citizens back. Malawi had already returned hundreds of people using buses. Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe also arranged flights or buses. Officials cited safety concerns linked to recent violence.

South Africa’s government condemned the recent wave of attacks against foreigners. The country is also carrying out stricter immigration enforcement. Over the last two years, the Home Affairs Ministry said more than 100,000 people were deported. The ministry also said more than 500,000 others were turned back at borders while trying to enter illegally.

With inputs from PTI