Police in Umbilo, Durban, fired rubber bullets and deployed stun grenades on Tuesday afternoon, 10 November 2026, to disperse protesters from the group March and March after the crowd allegedly turned violent and threw stones at officers.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the march began shortly after 3pm, as protesters moved from the gazebos opposite the Home Affairs offices along Che Guevara Road. The group reportedly carried sticks, with some participants concealing their faces despite an interim court order banning marches after 3pm, the carrying of dangerous weapons, and face coverings during demonstrations.
“A group of people, most of them carrying dangerous weapons such as sticks, and some of them concealing their faces with masks and other items, moved away from the gazebos they camp under opposite the Home Affairs offices in Umbilo and embarked on a march just after 15h00,” Netshiunda said.
He added that the marchers did not have marshals controlling them, as required by law. “During the deliberations, the marchers became violent and started throwing stones at the police. To manage the crowd and restore public order, police used minimum force such as stun grenades and rubber bullets,” Netshiunda explained.
Police confirmed that no injuries were reported following the confrontation. An investigation has been opened into possible breaches of the interim court order as well as the alleged assault of police officers during the incident.
This is not the first time March and March clashed with police in this area. Earlier incidents in September 2026 saw similar confrontations on Che Guevara Road in Umbilo, with police previously resorting to tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets to control the gatherings.
The area outside the Home Affairs offices remains a frequent flashpoint between March and March supporters, migrants, and law enforcement.
While the interim court order restricting protests after 3pm and banning dangerous weapons and face coverings is widely reported by police, the exact details of the legal ruling have not been independently verified against court documents. Additionally, the exact number of protesters involved and the full circumstances leading to allegations of violence are still being investigated.
The KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda provided these details during a media briefing late Tuesday afternoon. Independent confirmation from attending journalists and community sources remains pending.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue to monitor developments and report on any new information regarding legal proceedings, police investigations, or community responses to these recurring tensions in Umbilo.