Foreign Nationals in Durban Reject Criminal Links Amid Anti-Immigration Protests

Foreign nationals residing along Mahatma Gandhi Road in Durban have publicly rejected allegations linking them to criminal activity, speaking out as anti-illegal immigration protests move through the city.

The Details

The anti-illegal immigration protests began at King Dinuzulu Park and proceeded toward South Beach. The march was monitored by police and covered by SABC News reporters on the ground.

Residents Abubakar Kasim, originally from Kenya, and Roger Mulaja, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically voiced concerns about the portrayal of foreign nationals. Both men argued that not all foreign residents should be associated with crime, pushing back against the narrative that has accompanied the demonstrations.

South Beach is known for a high concentration of businesses owned by foreign nationals, a factor that has made the area a focal point in tensions around undocumented immigration.

One unnamed foreign national, speaking to an SABC News correspondent, cited the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The resident noted that while the commission discusses drug cartels and crime syndicates, no foreigners have been named in its proceedings. "Crime is everywhere and I watch Madlanga Commission and they talk about drug cartel, crime syndicate but there is no foreigner that is being named at Madlanga Commission," the resident said.

Context

Durban's South Beach area hosts a high concentration of foreign-owned businesses, making it a focal point in local tensions around undocumented immigration. The anti-immigration march that began at King Dinuzulu Park and moved toward South Beach has placed renewed attention on the neighborhood.

Foreign nationals living along Mahatma Gandhi Road have responded by speaking directly to the media. Through coverage by SABC News and corroborating reports from MSN/Sowetan Live, they have rejected blanket criminal allegations and emphasized what they see as a lack of evidence linking their community to organized crime networks.

The reference to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is central to their rebuttal. By highlighting that the commission's discussions of drug cartels and crime syndicates have not produced any named foreign nationals, speakers are challenging the basis of the claims circulating during the protests.

What's Next

The anti-illegal immigration protests remain underway, with police continuing to monitor the march as it proceeds toward South Beach. SABC News coverage of the events is ongoing.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues its work. Foreign nationals in Durban say they will maintain their rejection of criminal allegations, pointing to the absence of named foreign individuals in the commission's discussions as support for their position.