Malawian nationals clash with police at Durban transit site [VIDEO]
Police fired stun grenades and rubber bullets at protesting Malawian nationals after tensions flared at Durban's Sherwood Hall site.
Black News ![Malawian nationals clash with police at Durban transit site [VIDEO]](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-17-malawian-nationals-clash-with-police-at-durban-transit-site-video.jpg.optimal.jpg?#)
Public Order Police fired stun grenades and rubber bullets at a group of frustrated Malawian nationals at the Sherwood Hall transit site in Durban on Wednesday.
The confrontation erupted after many of the men refused to board vehicles that would take them either to the Lindela Repatriation Centre or to alternative accommodation along the Durban beachfront.
Men question the repatriation process
According to eNCA, the men said authorities had allowed women and children to board buses back to Malawi, while directing some men to the Lindela Repatriation Centre instead.
“We have been told to go to Malawi, so why are they not taking us to Malawi now?” one man asked.
“They are putting us inside vans instead of putting us in buses.”
Officials said the growing number of Malawian nationals awaiting processing and repatriation had pushed Sherwood Hall beyond its capacity.
Authorities want the remaining group moved to another location while immigration processes continue.
Protest turns violent
Tensions escalated when some protesters armed themselves with rocks, sticks and tree branches.
The group chanted slogans and threw stones and bottles at police officers.
Police responded by deploying stun grenades and firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Thousands still awaiting processing
According to the Department of Justice, officials have identified at least 1 876 undocumented migrants among the approximately 7 000 Malawian nationals staying at the site.
The department has established a virtual priority court to speed up immigration and repatriation processes.
Meanwhile, the Malawian government has appealed for donations to help fund the return of its citizens.
