Anti-xenophobia march turns violent in SA

DURBAN – Violence has broken out in Durban. Riot police clashed with hundreds of foreign nationals who took to the streets to protest against xenophobia.

Water cannons, tear gas and stun grenades were used to disperse about 300 demonstrators. Police said they had defied an order not to march.

EThekwini metro police spokesperson Superintendent Eugene Msomi said the group had applied for permission to march on Wednesday, and it had been granted.

After they had gathered on Wednesday morning, police cancelled the march, citing an imminent threat to the group. Warnings about possible attacks had circulated online.

The irate marchers gathered in the street, however their path was blocked by about 30 riot police who opened their water cannons and used teargas as the group progressed towards them.

The situation remains tense, with fears that the protesters may re-group. eNCA/News24