Durban protests: 19 arrested after homes torched, shops looted

KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested 19 suspects following violent protests that left two houses burnt, vehicles torched and shops looted across Durban.

Officers arrested 15 people on Friday night, 9 October, after taking four others into custody on Thursday for attempted murder and discharging a firearm in public.

Police confirmed that the unrest spread through the city and surrounding suburbs, with two houses set alight in Umbilo and several businesses damaged.

MORE ARRESTS EXPECTED

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said most of those arrested were students.

The latest 15 suspects face charges of public violence and malicious damage to property, although investigators could add further charges.

#sapsKZN
[FIFTEEN SUSPECTS ARRESTED AND MORE EXPECTED FOR DURBAN PROTESTS]

Fifteen suspects were arrested on Friday night following violent protests which engulfed the city of Durban and surrounding suburbs. This brings the number of suspects arrested to 19, including the four… pic.twitter.com/6kzAAd8m8a

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 10, 2026

Crime Intelligence officers and detectives are tracking down those responsible for burning vehicles and buildings.

The suspects will appear in court soon.

As previously reported by The South African, Thursday’s unrest saw protesters torch 14 vehicles in Durban and another 10 in Soweto.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi intervened as authorities stepped up their response.

The violence also prompted the United States to issue a security warning, urging Americans to avoid affected areas.

The protests followed controversy over asylum application procedures. The Department of Home Affairs withdrew its contentious asylum intake directive on Friday.

POLICE ISSUE STERN MTN8 WARNING

Meanwhile, police have dismissed social media rumours suggesting that Saturday’s MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium could face disruptions.

Netshiunda confirmed that the match would proceed, with security measures in place to protect spectators, officials and players.

“All roads leading to the stadium are open and will remain open,” he said.

He also warned anyone planning to protest near the venue.

“Anybody who attempts to stage any kind of protest on the routes leading to the stadium, or anywhere in the vicinity of Moses Mabhida Stadium will be met with the strong arm of the law,” Netshiunda said.