Durban - Sporadic riots marred the conclusion of the peace and anti-xenophobia march held in Durban by politicians and religious leaders on Thursday.
There were reports of clashes in and around Durban CBD in the wake of the march which followed the deaths of at least five people linked to clashes between locals and foreigners over the past week.
Earlier, the start of the peace march from Durban City hall was delayed as police attempted to deal with a grouping which was suspected of wanting to disrupt proceedings.
Addressing the media after the march, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Senzo Mchunu said more police officers would be deployed in the city.
“Safety will continue to be monitored and be a priority. It’s unfortunate we have troublemakers in our midst, however those who continue will feel the might of the law,” said Mchunu.
He appealed to society to continue being the eyes and ears so to stop the attacks, adding that they had received information that a taxi was loading people with the aim of wanting to disrupt the march, but were stopped by police officers.
“Some people at a hostel were caught discussing that they want to cause chaos on Point Road but their plan was not carried out as they were reported to the police,” he said.
State Security Minister, David Mahlobo, meanwhile was moved to deny that his department had failed to avert the violence acts of xenophobia.
“People with evil intentions are always a step ahead, this does not mean intelligence failed to curb acts of xenophobia. More arrests are imminent, and those who plan in darkness will be punished,” said Mahlobo.
He said that national security was everyone’s business, while adding that “there are weaknesses in the management of South African borders but immigration laws are being tightened up”.
African News Agency (ANA) spoke to some foreign nationals who attended the peace and reconciliation march. Baba Sarr from Senegal commended government for staging the peace march. “I feel happy. We have developed hope for the future.”
Meanwhile, Amadou Diagne, also from Senegal, said South Africans needed to know that there is no secret to running a business, and they (foreigners) were not here to take their jobs.
“Clearly the name of this country should change from South Africa, because their people are not being accepting of other Africans,” said Diagne.
South African Zanele Zincume, from Lamontville said she was part of the peace march as she was against the xenophobic attacks.
“I am against what is happening, we are now not safe. What if the foreigners leave and come back to attack us?” Zincume asked.
ANA