Protest as South Africa Moves to Bar Anti-Migrant Rallies

Hundreds of demonstrators brandishing placards and sticks rallied outside a Durban court on Friday as the South African government moved to halt anti-migrant demonstrations that turned fatal last week.

The legal action follows the death of a foreign national who was beaten to death by a mob of 50 people, an attack that prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy over 500 soldiers to assist police.

The March and March movement, which has spearheaded demonstrations against undocumented foreigners for months, organised the Durban gathering alongside supporters from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and ActionSA.

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia launched the urgent court application to stop the rallies, citing public safety threats and intelligence revealing an alleged plot to burn down the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre in Berea.

Protest as South Africa moves to bar anti-migrant rallies (News Central TV) — Protest as South Africa moves to bar anti-migrant rallies.  Credit: Reuters

Police counsel told the court that Durban’s situation has “degenerated into lawlessness” beyond reactive policing capabilities, even with 400 officers deployed.

Defence attorney Xolani Zuma countered that the government was trying to silence citizens, arguing that “the real problem is illegal immigrants.”

The escalation comes just days before local elections on November 4, straining police resources ahead of the vote.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.