WATCH| Chaos In Durban As Police Fire Rubber Bullets At Angry Malawian Nationals

Tensions exploded in Durban on Wednesday as Malawian nationals clashed with police at the overcrowded Sherwood Hall transit site. The standoff involving hundreds of Malawian nationals quickly turned chaotic after authorities attempted to relocate some of the group.

Public Order Police were forced to fire stun grenades and rubber bullets after angry protesters allegedly hurled stones, bottles and other objects at officers. Dramatic scenes unfolded as frustrated men armed with sticks, rocks and tree branches confronted law enforcement officials.

The unrest stems from growing anger among some of the Malawian nationals who claim they were promised transport back to their home country. Instead, several men say they have been told they could be taken to the Lindela Repatriation Centre while women and children are being prioritised for direct repatriation.

[WATCH] Undocumented Malawians have now turned Sherwood outside the Durban CBD into an active crime scene, they are attacking police officers as they refuse to go through a deportation process. @_NMabaso pic.twitter.com/WJmGSo7bI4

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) June 17, 2026

Malawian Nationals Clash With Police

The Malawian nationals have been camping at the Durban transit site while immigration authorities process thousands of people. However, officials say the facility has exceeded its capacity and can no longer accommodate the increasing number of individuals waiting to be documented and transported.

Many of the men have accused authorities of treating them unfairly. Some claim they are being loaded into smaller vehicles while buses transporting women and children continue leaving the site.

“We were told we are going back to Malawi, so why are we not being taken there now?” one frustrated man reportedly asked during the confrontation. The question echoed through the crowd as tempers continued to flare.

Immigration Crisis Deepens As Numbers Grow

Government officials say the situation has become increasingly difficult to manage due to the sheer number of people at the facility. According to the Department of Justice, around 1,876 individuals among the estimated 7,000 Malawian nationals gathered at the site have been identified as undocumented or illegally residing in South Africa.

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Authorities have introduced a virtual priority court to accelerate immigration proceedings and speed up repatriation efforts. The move is intended to reduce pressure on facilities and process cases more efficiently.

Meanwhile, the Malawian government has appealed for financial assistance to help bring its citizens home. As authorities work to resolve the situation, concerns remain that further unrest could erupt if frustrations among those waiting continue to grow.

For now, Sherwood Hall remains a flashpoint, with police maintaining a heavy presence as officials attempt to restore calm and continue the repatriation process.