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Campaign group says Durban violence ringleaders remain free

Published

Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign says police have arrested some people but not the instigators of anti-immigration violence in Durban. Police say investigations continue and they are pursuing other people believed to be involved.

Yeshelen Govender, the KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson for Siyafana Sonke, said police still need to do more to curb the violence against foreign nationals. She said: "There have been certain arrests made, however, it’s clear that it’s not the instigators or ringleaders of the violence."

Police took five people in for questioning in connection with the murder of a foreign national and assaults on others this week. The wave of violent anti-immigration protests in Durban has lasted two weeks.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said police are pursuing other people believed to be involved in violence and other criminality during marches.

Key facts

Who
Yeshelen Govender (KZN spokesperson for Siyafana Sonke); Robert Netshiunda (KZN police spokesperson); Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign (campaign group making the claim)
What
Siyafana Sonke's KZN spokesperson Yeshelen Govender said police had made some arrests but not of the instigators or ringleaders of anti-immigration violence in Durban. KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said investigations were ongoing and other people were being pursued.
When
24 October 2026
Where
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Status
Reported

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