Refugees forced to sleep outside Durban police station amid rising xenophobic violence

More than 500 refugees and migrants in Durban have been left stranded, homeless and fearful for their safety after violent attacks, threats and what advocacy groups describe as a failure by authorities to provide protection or shelter.

According to a statement issued by the Congolese Solidarity Campaign, refugees from countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi have been fleeing escalating xenophobic violence in parts of Durban and smaller towns across KwaZulu Natal.

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The group said migrants have been forced out of their homes, prevented from going to work, and warned not to send their children to school. Some businesses have reportedly been shut down, while several people have allegedly been assaulted.

“The situation in Durban is extremely dangerous,” the statement said, accusing police of refusing to open criminal cases linked to xenophobic attacks.

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The crisis worsened on May 18 when displaced refugees approached the Refugee Social Services office in Durban seeking urgent help and police protection after saying they feared for their lives.

According to the statement, they were advised to go to Durban Central Police Station because authorities could not guarantee their safety against threats from xenophobic groups.

Community leaders spent hours in meetings with police officers before officials allegedly informed them that temporary shelter had been arranged. Men were directed to a tented site near the Elangeni Hotel on North Beach, while women were told they would be accommodated at a shelter on Mansel Road.

But when buses arrived later that evening, both groups were reportedly turned away.
People already staying at the shelters allegedly said there was no more space, while security personnel claimed they had not been informed that additional refugees would be arriving.

“At the Mansel Road site, tensions escalated and women seeking shelter were chased away,” the statement said.

“One woman’s blouse was torn during the confrontation, which took place in the presence of police officers who did not intervene.”

With nowhere else to go, the refugees and migrants spent the night sleeping outside Durban Central Police Station.

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The following day, tensions escalated further after police allegedly used batons, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd gathered outside the station.

The Congolese Solidarity Campaign also alleged that live ammunition may have been used, claiming several people suffered serious injuries. It said there was video evidence supporting the claims.

Police reportedly attempted to arrest  Raphael Bahebwa during the confrontation, although protesters prevented the arrest.

Authorities allegedly accused the crowd of “causing chaos”, a claim that some media organisations repeated, according to the statement.

After leaving the police station area, the group moved to the Diakonia Centre, a church building that houses the offices of Abahlali baseMjondolo.

There, refugee leaders, church representatives, lawyers, local councillors and humanitarian organisations held emergency meetings to discuss possible solutions and safety measures.

However, no immediate agreement was reached.
The statement said local officials insisted the refugees could not remain in the area overnight despite having no alternative accommodation.

On May 20, further meetings were held involving refugee representatives, lawyers, officials from the Department of Home Affairs and senior police officers.

Authorities proposed that refugees undergo a verification process at the Refugee Reception Centre on Moore Road.

But advocacy groups argued that many migrants had become undocumented because Home Affairs had failed to renew their papers on time.

“Some people had not eaten for two days,” the statement said, adding that humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers later provided food assistance at the Diakonia Centre.

The Congolese Solidarity Campaign also alleged that supporters linked to the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and a group identified as March and March attempted to enter the area where refugees were gathered.
According to the statement, police managed to push the groups back, although two refugees were reportedly assaulted during one incident.

The organisation has appealed to government authorities, humanitarian agencies and civil society groups to urgently intervene.

“People urgently need safe accommodation, food and psychological support,” the statement said.

The group also thanked organisations including South African Federation of Trade Unions, General Industries Workers Union of South Africa and Socio-Economic Rights Institute for showing solidarity with refugees during the crisis.

The South African Police Service has not publicly responded in detail to the allegations contained in the statement.