A volatile protest broke out on Friday along Durban’s Queen Nandi Drive, prompting a large-scale security response from law enforcement and private security units.
Queen Nandi Drive remained partially open to traffic, but authorities warned that the situation was still unstable as monitoring operations continued.
According to KZN VIP spokesperson Gareth Naidoo, members of the South African Police Service public order policing unit, Durban Metro Police, and KZN VIP SWAT teams were deployed to manage the stand-off.
“We’ve got the SAPS public order policing together with Metro Police and the KZN VIP SWAT members that are standing off,” Naidoo said. “The roadway has been open for traffic to flow, but the situation still remains volatile at this time.”
He added that vehicles were being closely monitored as they passed through the area, while protest action continued nearby.
Preliminary reports suggest the protest is linked to striking security staff based in the Riverhorse Valley area.
“We believe that some firearms were discharged during this protest action, but we do have SAPS in attendance and they are working to disarm those who may have discharged their firearms. At this time, there have been no injuries reported,” Naidoo said.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid the area until the situation stabilises.
Emergency services and nearby facilities have also increased security measures as a precaution, with additional personnel deployed to ensure public safety.