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Violence erupted in Sherwood, Durban, on Wednesday morning when Malawian nationals awaiting repatriation clashed with police after being informed that some migrants would be relocated to Durban Driving on the beachfront.

Thousands of frustrated migrants turned on law enforcement officers, hurling stones, bricks and logs, while others wielded sticks as tensions boiled over.

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The unrest was sparked by growing anger over delays in the repatriation process and opposition to plans to move some of the migrants to an alternative processing site.

Police responded by firing stun grenades and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowd and restore order. 

Area councillor Warren Burne said the confrontation highlighted mounting frustration among the estimated 7000 Malawian nationals camped outside Sherwood Hall while awaiting transport back to Malawi.

Burne warned that the situation could deteriorate further if repatriation efforts were not expedited.

He said many migrants had lost patience with both Malawian and South African authorities over prolonged delays in processing documentation.

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“The Malawian people are now running out of patience with their government and the South African officials for the delays in processing their paperwork for repatriation,” Burne said.

They are not happy with plans to relocate them and simply want to board buses and return home. This has gotten out of hand and could become worse if not contained.

Burne added that those involved in the unrest could face arrest and prosecution. 

By the time of publication, police had not issued an official comment on the incident.