Seven people have been arrested for public violence in Durban's Umlazi suburb after throwing stones at policeman, police said on Tuesday.

Superintendent Daniela Veldhuizen said at least 300 angry residents arrived at the Umlazi police station on Monday afternoon demanding that a prisoner be released.

It was believed the man was a community leader. He was in police custody for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

"They demanded the prisoner be released but we refused. That's when they started throwing stones at police officers," said Veldhuizen.

Police then used rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

There were no injuries reported but seven people were later arrested. - Sapa