Durban – A group of foreign nationals, including women and children, has gathered outside the Durban Central Police Station seeking protection after alleging they were threatened by some members of the communities where they live.
Several of the group say they were forced to spend the night outside the station in cold conditions after fleeing their homes due to ongoing intimidation.
WATCH | Foreign nationals have moved to the Durban police station seeking refuge, after claiming they were attacked. Authorities are engaging with those affected as the situation unfolds. pic.twitter.com/kNJ1cpXWVa
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 19, 2026
According to SABC News, a Congolese national, Wivine Bahati, said foreign nationals have repeatedly been told to leave the country by a set date and are regularly questioned about why they remain in South Africa.
She added that some community members have intimidated them even while they are working, particularly those doing domestic and garden work.
WATCH: The group of foreign nationals camping outside the Durban central police station, demanding that the police should protect them from attacks – KZN Tonight Podcast pic.twitter.com/F39F5FlAwf
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) May 19, 2026
The group says it is now seeking assistance from police, including protection from further threats and possible support regarding their safety concerns.
Chaotic scenes outs Durban Central Police Station as police try to disperse a mob of foreign nationals who refuses to leave the police premises #Durban #KZN #illegal immigrants pic.twitter.com/jL1wVDSQxX
— Nkosazana Peshwa (@NkosazanaPeshwa) May 19, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
