South Africa: Student protest ongoing in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, April 7

Event

Student protests are ongoing at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Steve Biko Campus April 7. Initial reports indicate that police have deployed and fired tear gas to disperse crowds. The university campus is in proximity to the N3 highway, which students may block if protests escalate.

Further protests cannot be discounted in the coming days, and similar attacks may occur if demonstrations take place. Recent student protests in Johannesburg and Cape Town degenerated into violent unrest and one fatality; similar violence is possible in any further demonstrations. Transport disruptions are likely in the vicinity of all further incidents.

Advice

Avoid the DUT April 7. If operating in the area and violence breaks out, seek shelter in a secure, non-governmental building immediately. Monitor for updates on possible incidents in the coming days. Avoid all protests as a standard precaution.