Two community leaders and members of the March and March Movement, Magolide and Wandile Nsibande, were arrested outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on Moore Road in Durban while preparing a search-and-rescue operation for ten girls allegedly kidnapped in Umbilo.
According to protesters and people on the ground, twelve girls were abducted on Friday night by foreign nationals linked to ongoing tensions over the documentation of illegal immigrants. Two of the girls managed to escape and raised the alarm but were left without support.
Police justification
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has justified the arrests as necessary to prevent disruption of the MTN8 Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Police stated that individuals linked to the broader protests had threatened to mobilise groups that could interfere with the match, prompting officers to act to maintain public order. Additional charges have reportedly been added against Magolide, Nsibande and other accused.
Community rejection of official account
People on the ground in Durban strongly reject this explanation. They maintain that certain law enforcement officers in the area are on the payroll of the illegal immigrants allegedly responsible for the kidnappings. Protesters insist the two leaders were focused solely on locating the missing students and were not planning any disruption of the football match.
Video of planned search
A circulating video shows Wandile Nsibande stating in an interview that they were mobilising people to begin the search for the girls around 3pm – shortly before his arrest alongside Magolide.
Escapees left helpless
According to protesters, the two girls who escaped captivity approached community organisers after allegedly being turned away from a police station in Umbilo. The escapees stated that they know the kidnappers because they live in the same area. Despite raising the alarm about the remaining ten still missing and pleading for assistance, the escapees were left without support and effectively shut out. This prompted the leaders to organise the search themselves outside the Home Affairs offices.
Calls for release and independent probe
Supporters of Magolide and Nsibande describe the arrests as wrongful and have called for their immediate release. They are demanding an urgent and independent investigation into the reported abductions of the twelve girls, the circumstances under which the two escapees were left helpless, and allegations that some officers may be compromised.
Broader context of tensions
The incident unfolds against the backdrop of prolonged tension at the Moore Road Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre, where protests over immigration enforcement and public safety have repeatedly flared. While official statements emphaasise the need to prevent disorder around major events such as the MTN8 final, community voices insist the priority must be locating the missing girls and addressing the alleged failure to assist those who escaped and raised the alarm.
Independent confirmation of the reported abductions or claims of police complicity has not been issued by official sources. Families and community members continue to urge anyone with information to come forward and are pressing authorities for transparent answers.