eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba says nearly all foreign nationals taken from the Diakonia Centre in Durban have been confirmed as legally present in South Africa after screening. The group was relocated to a refugee reception centre on Moore Road under police escort. One individual was arrested for being in the country illegally.
The foreign nationals had gathered at the Diakonia Centre for two days after approaching the Durban Central police station on Monday to request protection from threats. Xaba addressed the media at the Durban Refugee Reception Centre and urged the community to accept the verified individuals back. He said it is the state's responsibility to provide them protection equivalent to that given to citizens.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Spokesperson Robert Netshiunda stated that patrols will increase in hotspot areas. He noted two or three assault cases opened by foreign nationals are under investigation, while many intimidation complaints appear to be hearsay.
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma rejected accusations of xenophobia, insisting the campaign targets only undocumented immigrants and calls for tighter border controls. Some foreign nationals expressed fear during the bus transfer, with group leader Princess Adjei saying pushing and uncertainty about the destination caused reluctance.
