Leader of the civic organisation March and March, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, says many South Africans have become increasingly desperate amid growing concerns over undocumented foreign nationals living in local communities.
Speaking during ongoing anti-immigration protests in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Ngobese-Zuma said some residents felt compelled to protect themselves due to social and economic pressures.
“We all have problems, but we don't run elsewhere and ask for help,” she said.
Her comments come after a group of foreign nationals gathered at the Durban Central Police Station on Tuesday seeking protection, claiming they had been chased from their homes and feared for their lives.
The group was later removed from the police station and has since been camping outside the Diakonia Centre in Durban’s inner city.
Ngobese-Zuma said anti-immigration groups were also living in fear amid rising tensions in the city.
Meanwhile, authorities have ordered the group of foreign nationals to vacate the Durban inner city by 11am on Thursday.
The Department of Home Affairs is expected to conduct an oversight visit to verify the refugee status of those seeking shelter and protection outside the Diakonia Centre.