Thami Ntuli requests army help to quell Durban unrest

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli says he has requested help from the South African National Defence Force amid continuing violence in Durban. His statement did not confirm a decision to deploy soldiers.

SABC reported on October 9 that unrest in the city centre had continued for a second day and had also affected Umlazi and Merebank. Protesters opposed to undocumented immigration looted small businesses, damaged property and set buildings and vehicles on fire.

Ntuli said he had already discussed the request with the police minister and considered army assistance necessary to restore order. Additional police officers are being sent to the province, including reinforcements from other areas. Authorities also intend to engage protest leaders.

The premier warned that continuing violence undermined investor confidence and could harm foreign investment and job creation. He urged residents across the province to oppose looting and the destruction of property. He linked those concerns to a conference scheduled in KwaZulu-Natal on October 15.