This is a developing story.
Tensions have escalated at the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road in Durban, with a strong police presence at the scene following days of protests over the processing of asylum applications.
Anti-illegal immigration groups, including March and March, have been blocking access to the centre and demanding that it stop accepting and processing new asylum applications.
The protests come after the Department of Home Affairs resumed processing asylum applications at refugee reception offices following a Constitutional Court ruling that found parts of the Refugees Act unconstitutional.
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has accused government of being “a lot of talk and no action”.
She is calling for refugee reception centres to be relocated to South Africa’s borders, saying the process should begin immediately.
Ngobese-Zuma says the interests of South Africans must be prioritised, while acknowledging that the Constitution also protects the rights of foreign nationals.
She has vowed that protesters will continue demonstrating until government provides a solution.
The situation became more volatile on Thursday, with police deployed to the area as protesters blocked access to the centre and asylum seekers were told to leave for their own safety.
Later in the afternoon, a fire broke out at a scrapyard near the refugee centre after tyres and debris were allegedly set alight. Police and firefighters responded to the blaze, while protesters later marched towards the Durban CBD.
The refugee centre has since been closed, with authorities maintaining a strong presence in the area.
The situation remains ongoing, with cars been reported on fire, as well as traffic and pedestrian movement affected around Che Guevara Road and surrounding areas.
SAPS is currently at the scene