Diakonia foreign nationals remain outside refugee centre as protests spread nationwide

By Charmaine Ndlela and Johnathan Paoli

Several foreign nationals displaced by anti-immigrant tensions in Durban were on Friday still camped outside the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Moore Road, despite authorities confirming that the overwhelming majority are legally documented asylum seekers and refugees.

Speaking to Inside Politics, KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers had been deployed overnight to maintain safety and security, and confirmed that about 50 migrants had reported feeling unsafe.

“They were chased and told to return to their homes, and if they do not feel safe, they should open a case and allow the law to take its course,” he said.

The group, which had initially sought refuge at the Diakonia Centre in central Durban earlier this week, was moved to a Home Affairs refugee centre for verification after days of protests, threats and confrontations.

Earlier on Friday, eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba confirmed