Police responded to sporadic looting and violent unrest in Durban’s central business district (CBD) on Thursday, 8 October 2026, following clashes linked to a march against gender-based violence. The unrest escalated after a demonstrator was allegedly assaulted, suffering a broken leg, with accusations that foreign nationals were involved in the incident.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that at least 14 vehicles were set alight during the disturbances, while shops in the CBD were looted and infrastructure damaged. Police used rubber bullets to disperse crowds as businesses closed their doors for safety.
“We have intelligence all over Durban and surrounding areas. We had some reports that there are some groups in other parts of the city. We are planning accordingly; hence, you see members from other stations. We have a plan for how we are going to deal with them, but the focus is where we are,” Colonel Netshiunda said during a media briefing.
Police reinforcements were called in from elsewhere within the Durban metro, and officers from outside KwaZulu-Natal could also be mobilised if required to restore order. The unrest reportedly spread along Dr Pixley KaSeme Street and Anton Lembede Street, where vehicles burned and shops were looted.
GroundUp reported an unconfirmed shooting near Dr Pixley KaSeme Street at around 4pm, but police had not confirmed the condition of the individual involved. The same source noted that at least two other people were assaulted during the march, which sparked the unrest.
“Unplanned marches create a situation like this where police were policing one march and another one started where there was violence. We were stretched,” Colonel Netshiunda added, describing the challenge officers faced managing multiple gatherings.
March participant Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma told GroundUp, “We are here picketing because that’s our right to express our dissatisfaction in our country, and that is what happens in a democracy. As long as we are not harming anyone, we will continue demonstrating until the government finds a way out of this mess.”
TimesLIVE and EWN confirmed the scale of destruction with at least 10 to 14 cars torched and multiple shops looted. Tensions calmed later on Thursday, although attempts to break into closed shops continued even as crowds dispersed.
The incident is part of a broader wave of anti-immigrant protests connected to the March and March movement in Durban. The initial assault that sparked the unrest and responsibility for the arson remain under investigation. No official arrests have been publicly confirmed in relation to the violence as of Thursday evening.
Police and city officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Additional updates on any arrests, injuries, or further disturbances are expected as investigations progress.