KwaZulu-Natal police say they have received intelligence about planned marches across the province on Friday, including in Durban, following a night of violence in the city’s Central Business District (CBD).
Thursday’s unrest left at least 14 vehicles torched and several buildings set alight, raising concerns about public safety and the impact on businesses.
Provincial police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says law enforcement officers will be deployed in sufficient numbers to maintain order and prevent a repeat of the violence.
Police have been informed that the planned demonstrations are intended to be peaceful.
“We heard that there are people who are planning to march; as far as we understand, the plan is for them to have peaceful marches,” Netshiunda said.
He added that officers would monitor the gatherings and accompany protesters along their routes to prevent possible violence.
“Our plan is to ensure that wherever they gather, we are there on time and also to ensure that when they are marching we are with them; this is to ensure that it doesn’t get violent because when police are not there that’s where people take advantage,” he said.
Meanwhile, local salon owner Christian Khabangwa says the unrest has threatened his livelihood and his ability to provide for his family.
Khabangwa alleges that a group of marchers forced businesses to close, leaving business owners worried about their safety and income.
“This business helps me to survive and to provide for my family. It is very painful. It is not safe to open, but it is the place that I get something to eat and to survive, and it is not easy,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, Khabangwa said he intended to reopen his business.
The planned marches come amid heightened tensions over South Africa’s asylum application process, with police maintaining a strong presence in Durban following Thursday’s destruction of vehicles and property.