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State seeks interdict against protest violence in Durban

Published

The acting police minister and the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner asked the Durban High Court to bar threats, assaults, looting and arson linked to protests. Proceedings stood down after the judge questioned what relief the state wanted before the 4 November municipal elections.

The judge asked whether the state wanted temporary limits ahead of the 4 November municipal elections or a broader, permanent interdict. The order sought would also bar intimidation and damage to property.

The government said it deployed more than 400 police officers in Durban, but that this failed to contain the violence, intimidation and looting. In court, the state said reactive policing no longer worked. It said officers often arrived after property was damaged and people were assaulted.

The state also said police were outnumbered and struggled to remove weapons from protesters. It said more people allegedly joined crowds armed with sticks and other objects. Protesters allegedly planned to set fire to the Home Affairs refugee reception centre on Moore Road in Durban.

Key facts

Who
Acting Police Minister (applicant, along with the KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, in the High…); KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner (applicant, along with the acting police minister); Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma (leader of March and March, expected in court (related article reference))
What
The acting police minister and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner applied to the High Court in Durban for an order barring threats, assaults, intimidation, looting, arson and property damage linked to protests. The judge questioned whether the state sought temporary restrictions ahead of the 4 November municipal elections or a broader, permanent interdict, and proceedings stood down.
When
30 October 2026
Where
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Status
Reported

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