FEARS OF MORE RIOTING

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25739, 26 February 1949, Page 7

FEARS OF MORE RIOTING

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN IN DURBAN AFRICANS AND INDIANS DURBAN, February 24 Naval and military detachments throughout Durban have been ordered to stand by for immediate action because of fears that the African natives are planning another attack on Indians. The police announced that armoured cars and police detachments would a display of force in all potentially dangerous areas this afternoon Earlier to-day the South African Riots Commission was told that documents written in the Zulu language were being circulated among Africans, urging them to rise against the Indians to-morrow and during the weekend. Mr P. R. Father, secretary of the National Indian Organisation, giving evidence before the commission, predicted a slaughter of Indians. He continued: “It is being openly said by Africans throughout Durban that at the week-end there will be a recurrence of the riots.” There was panic among Indians, and the numbers at some refugee camps had increased, Mr Pather added. Mr Justice Van Den Hever, chairman of the commission, said that because of the serious assertions, the commission would urge the authorities to take every precaution.

Major G. Bestford, the Durban District Police Commandant, said that active patrolling by armed policemen and'' armoured cars would continue day and night. Substantial police reinforcements were expected from Pretoria. He appealed to all employers of Indian and native labour to instruct their employees to keep off the streets should trouble break out. Africans attacked two Indians on a Durban train this morning.