Migrants clash with police at South Africa deportation site
13 reported
Police in South Africa fired rubber bullets and used stun grenades against migrants protesting near a community hall in Durban, where thousands are being processed for deportation. The migrants, mainly Malawians, initially gathered more than a week ago to be voluntarily repatriated on buses provided by their government. Delays in the process led South African authorities to establish an immigration court at the hall and implement formal deportation processes. Video showed protesters throwing rocks, sticks and logs at police, who responded with stun grenades and rubber bullets. Local media reported the clashes erupted due to frustrations over delays in returning home. The Home Affairs Ministry said at least 1,876 people among those gathered have been identified as being in South Africa without proper documents and would be deported. The mayor of Durban said more than 6,000 Malawians could ultimately be deported.
What’s reported
Police fired rubber bullets and used stun grenades against migrants protesting near a community hall in Durban.
The migrants are mainly Malawians who initially gathered more than a week ago for voluntary repatriation on buses provided by their government.
The premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province said nearly 10,000 Malawians have been camping in a park near the hall waiting to go home.
South African authorities established an immigration court at the hall and implemented formal deportation processes due to delays.
Video showed protesters throwing rocks, sticks and logs at police, who responded with stun grenades and rubber bullets.
Local media reported the clashes erupted because of frustrations at delays in returning home.
The Home Affairs Ministry said at least 1,876 people among those gathered have been identified as being in South Africa without proper documents and would be deported.
The mayor of Durban said more than 6,000 Malawians could ultimately be deported.
Malawi is one of at least five African countries to repatriate some of their citizens from South Africa, citing threats and violent attacks.
Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have also provided flights or buses for some of their citizens to leave South Africa.
South Africa's government has condemned a spate of attacks on foreigners sparked by a recent rise in anti-migrant sentiment.
The Home Affairs Ministry said South Africa has in the last two years deported more than 100,000 people living in the country illegally.
More than 500,000 others were sent back after being stopped at a border trying to enter South Africa illegally, according to the ministry.
Key figures
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province (not named in article)
Mayor of Durban (not named in article)
South Africa's Home Affairs Ministry (referenced as source)
Sources: abcnews.com
