Durban will not be turned into war zone, vows premier

THE KwaZulu-Natal Government and eThekwini Municipality have strongly condemned the spate of violent attacks directed at foreign nationals that broke out in the Durban Central Business District on Tuesday 14 April.

In a media statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Government and the City of eThekwini reiterated their calls for an immediate end to the continued attacks on foreign nationals in the province and the crime associated with the violence.

However, reports suggest that despite appeals by leaders, that the attacks and looting of shops continued. In Durban on Tuesday, police had to fire rubber bullets at a crowd in the City Centre after a deadlock between locals and foreign shop owners.

The city has declared that any form of violence instigated by a few individuals will not be tolerated.

“Government has noted with grave concerns and regret that the attacks on foreign nationals and looting of their shops have continued around the province.

We condemn these attacks and assert that lawlessness will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies will deal with those that break the law,” said Premier Senzo Mchunu.

On Monday night, a 14-year-old boy was allegedly shot and killed during the looting of foreign owned shops in KwaNdlanzi area, Lindelani.

There have been at least four other deaths that are related to the attacks and looting in the province while the police have arrested over 40 people for various crimes.

A parked car in the city centre was reportedly set alight during the commotion on Tuesday.

“Government is fundamentally opposed to discrimination of all forms and we call upon all members of society to join us in rejecting and condemning xenophobia and all related discrimination,” said Nxumalo.

Teams from various government departments and the City of eThekwini are already on the ground, working with all concerned stakeholders to initiate talks that will produce a lasting solution for peace and coexistence.