KZN Premier requests SANDF deployment amid violence in Durban

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli says he has requested the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to help quell widespread violence in Durban.

Unrest has also broken out in Umlazi and Merebank south of the city.

This while protestors are still roaming the streets of the CBD.

This comes as protesters opposed to undocumented immigration continue to loot small businesses, damage property and set buildings and vehicles alight.

It is the second consecutive day of violence in the Durban city centre.

Ntuli says law enforcement agencies have been reinforced but with the violence intensifying, he believes the deployment of the army is necessary to restore law and order.

“In fact, I have already spoken to the Police Minister to say the situation one runs that the army is deployed in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

I think they are processing my request because I have already requested for the army to be deployed,” says Ntuli.

Ntuli says they also engage protest leaders.

“Well, we will engage the leaders that are involved, but at the same time, more police are being deployed in the province.

Some are arriving from outside to assist.

That is what we have underground, and we are activating.

Even yesterday, they were part of those who were forced multipliers to ensure that we calmed the situation,” says Ntuli.

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