Durban Fears of Zulus Renewing Attack on Indians

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1949, Page 5

Durban Fears of Zulus Renewing Attack on Indians

DURBAN, February 24. Because of the fears that African natives are planning another attack on the Indians, naval and military detachments throughout Durban have been ordered to stand by tor immediate action. The police announced that armoured cars and police detachments would stage a display of force in all the 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 the mto rise against the Indians tomorrrow, and during the week-end. , . ~ ' Mr P. R- Father- secretary of the National Indian Organisation,. giving evidence before the commission, forecat a slaughter of the Indians He added: "It is being openly said bv Africans throughout Durban that at the week-end there will be a recurrence of the riots.” There was panic among the Indians and the numbers at some of the refugee camps had increased. > Mr Justice van den Hever, chairman of the commission, aid that in view of these serious assertions, the commission would urge the authoritie to take every precaution. Major G. Bestford. Durban district police commandant, said that active patrolling by armed policemen an. armoured cars would cont nue day and night. Substantial police reinforcements were due from PretoriaHe appealed to all employers of Indian and native labour to instruct them to keen off the streets should trouble break out. Africans attacked two Ind ans on a Durban train this morning.