South African police used rubber bullets and teargas to break up a large protest in Durban on March 25, 2026.

Hundreds of people marched through the city to demand stronger action against illegal immigration. The protesters, backed by several groups, said too many foreigners were entering the country without proper papers and causing problems for local people.

The marchers wanted the government to deport undocumented foreigners and improve border control. They carried placards and chanted slogans while walking through the streets. Some claimed that certain areas had become unsafe because of drug dealing and crime linked to illegal immigrants. Police stopped the group from reaching the beachfront to avoid more trouble.

A small number of protesters broke away from the main crowd. They harassed people nearby and tried to loot shops. This forced police to step in quickly with force. Many shop owners had already closed their businesses early because they feared violence and damage.

Leaders of the protest said the country was being flooded with people from different parts of the world, including Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. They argued that this was hurting local jobs and making life harder for South Africans, especially with high unemployment in the country. One elderly protester spoke about how officials sometimes take bribes and how foreign workers were taking jobs meant for locals.

The clash highlights deep worries about immigration in South Africa. Many citizens feel the government is not doing enough to manage borders and protect local communities. As elections get closer, these issues are becoming more heated and could shape future politics in the country.