Durban refugees fear more violence in March and March ‘clean-up’

Homeless refugees who have been living on Che Guevara Road near the Home Affairs office in Durban have raised cause for concern after an alleged attack last Thursday, claiming that the anti-illegal immigration group March and March is carrying out a “clean-up” operation.

Bishop Raphael Bahebwa and Kafuti Muyumba, who are speaking on behalf of the refugees, claim that an attack occurred after the anti-illegal immigration group arrived at their location along with police authorities.

Also see: Penuel Mlotshwa shares why he opposes March and March working with AfriForum

Life on the street

IOL reports that the refugees have been living on the street since 22 May after allegedly being removed from their homes and businesses amid attacks by anti-illegal immigration groups. The two refugee leaders claim that since then, two people have died while living on the street.

The leaders alleged that some of the displaced people were offered temporary accommodation at North Beach. Unfortunately, upon their arrival, mobs allegedly drove them away. Subsequently, they went to Durban Central Police Station seeking protection, where the leaders further allege that they were attacked there.

The alleged attacks

Bahebwa and Mavumba claim that the group supporters allegedly arrived at Che Guevara Road and tensions escalated. According to IOL, the two refugee leaders stated:

“Last Thursday they came to Che Guevara Road, armed as they always are, and accompanied by the police.”

As they recount their experience, they allege that police initially attempted to maintain a line between the two groups, but claim March and March supporters pushed through the police line. They claim that police intervened after the alleged attack began.

The leaders are now calling for authorities to prevent the group from coming within 200 metres of the refugees.

Also see: Internet reacts as March and March parts ways with Ngizwe Mchunu

March and March will ‘keep going’

March and March group leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma responded to the refugees’ claims, accusing them of portraying themselves as victims and criticising the media coverage of the dispute.

Ngobese-Zuma said: “But we will keep going, no matter if they all gang up against us. We keep going not for ourselves, but because if we fail, we fail the future generations of this country.”

The refugees, on the other hand, are concerned for their lives, alleging that the planned return may result in confrontation. They claim that the group members may come with weapons and possibly inflict harm.

“Unless the state acts to stop them, they will arrive with weapons, and they will attack us again,” they said.

The leaders are calling for the government to commit to protecting them from further alleged attacks and say they may eventually be able to return to the communities from which they were displaced if the situation becomes safe.

Also see: Julius Malema criticises March and March over anti-immigration campaign.