Crime

Durban CBD tensions escalate amid claims of assault during “clean-up campaign”

PrimeTime News Desk Published 20 April 2026

3 min read

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Tensions in the Durban Central Business District have continued to escalate during a week-long “clean-up campaign,” with new claims emerging about an alleged assault incident linked to the unrest.

The campaign, organised by a group known as March and March, began as a street-cleaning initiative but developed into confrontations involving foreign nationals operating businesses in the CBD.

Campaign led to confrontations and shop closures

Participants initially gathered to clean streets in central Durban but later began apprehending individuals they suspected of being undocumented immigrants and handing them over to police.

During the campaign:

Multiple altercations were reported
Incidents of pushing and shoving occurred
Several shops were closed either as a precaution or due to pressure during the activity

Law enforcement, including SAPS and metro police, were deployed in large numbers to monitor the situation.

Violence and intimidation reported

Reports from the scene confirmed that some interactions between participants and individuals in the CBD turned violent, with people being shoved, hit, and confronted in the streets.

There were also reports of:

Individuals being chased or apprehended
Businesses being forced to shut
Allegations of looting and at least one stabbing incident linked to the unrest

Authorities have stated that intimidation, violence, and forced business closures are unlawful.

Claims of assault incident remain unverified

Additional claims circulating in connection with the unrest allege that the confrontations escalated after an incident involving the alleged assault of a South African woman.

However, no official confirmation from police or authorities has verified this claim at this stage, and it remains part of unconfirmed reports linked to the broader tensions.

Legal concerns raised

Legal experts have warned that actions such as harassment, intimidation, or assault of individuals based on nationality are unlawful.

A prior court ruling has stated that no group or individual may intimidate or assault people identified as foreign nationals, and law enforcement is expected to act where such conduct occurs.

Ongoing police monitoring

Police and metro officials have maintained a presence in the Durban CBD throughout the campaign.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as tensions persist in the area, with a focus on preventing further escalation and maintaining public order.

Conclusion

The Durban CBD remains tense following confrontations linked to the “clean-up campaign,” with confirmed incidents of altercations, business disruptions, and police intervention. Claims regarding a separate assault incident have not been officially verified, while investigations and monitoring continue.

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