VIDEO: Fear and Tension Grip Durban as Anti-Immigrant Protest Forces Shops to Shut Down

SOUTH AFRICA — Tension is reaching a boiling point in Durban as anti-immigrant protests disrupt daily life, force businesses to shut down, and draw urgent responses from both authorities and international leaders.

What started as a protest has now evolved into a high-stakes situation — one that is affecting livelihoods, raising safety concerns, and putting the spotlight on South Africa once again.

Police Issue Strong Warning as Situation Escalates.

Authorities have broken their silence, and the message is clear: lawlessness will not be tolerated.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda, issued a firm warning amid reports of protesters stopping and questioning individuals on the streets.

“No civilian has the right to search a fellow civilian and request or demand any form of identification.”

He emphasized that only law enforcement has that authority:

“Only law enforcement officers are authorised to stop, search, and request individuals to produce documentation”.

Netshiunda also issued a strong caution against violence:

“Assaulting another person — whether a foreign national or not — is a criminal offence, and police will not stand by and watch when the law is being broken.”
Police say public order units are now on the ground, closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.

Businesses Shut Down as Fear Spreads.

Across Durban’s central business district, the impact is already being felt.
Several shops  owned by both locals and foreign nationals have been forced to close following threats of violence linked to the protest movement.
For many business owners, this is more than just unrest it is a direct threat to survival.
The once-busy streets are now marked by tension, uncertainty, and fear.

International Alarm as Ghana Reacts

The unrest has now crossed borders, drawing attention from foreign governments.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed he personally reached out to South African authorities after disturbing videos surfaced online.

“I called regarding the trending videos showing Ghanaians coming under extremely disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.”

He revealed that discussions are already underway:
“The South African foreign minister has assured us that a full investigation will be conducted.”
Ablakwa also reassured citizens:
“We are determined to guarantee the protection of all Ghanaians at home and abroad.”

Government Responds as Pressure Mounts.

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
According to diplomatic updates, the government has promised action:
“A full-scale investigation will be conducted, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Authorities are also preparing to brief African ambassadors as pressure grows for a swift resolution.

Political Leaders Raise Alarm

Local political voices are also speaking out.
A Democratic Alliance councillor in Durban warned:
“Unregulated protests are creating conditions for criminal activity and putting both residents and businesses at risk.”
This highlights growing concern that the situation could spiral further if not contained quickly.

A Situation That Could Escalate Further
With police deployed and tensions still high, all eyes remain on Durban.
There are increasing concerns that the unrest could spread beyond the city, especially with talks of a larger nationwide protest in the coming weeks.
For now, one thing is certain:

What began as a protest has transformed into a major flashpoint with real economic, social, and political consequences.

As Durban stands on edge, authorities are urging calm — but the mood on the ground tells a deeper story.
With fear spreading, businesses shutting down, and global attention now focused on the situation, the coming days will be critical.
Will calm return — or is this just the beginning?