KZN Police Deny Viral Claims That Foreign Nationals Were Found With Drugs in Pinetown
KwaZulu-Natal police have dismissed viral social media claims suggesting that foreign nationals were found with drugs in a flat in Pinetown, saying what was shown in circulating footage were empty capsules and not illegal substances. Police say no foreign nationals were discovered inside the building where the items were allegedly found.
The statement comes amid growing tension online and in some community spaces, where claims about drug activity and foreign nationals have been widely shared without verified evidence, raising concerns about misinformation and public safety narratives in Durban and surrounding areas.
What Happened at the Pinetown Flat and Viral Claims Circulating Online
The incident began after a video circulated on social media showing what appeared to be pills or capsules allegedly linked to drug activity in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. The footage was widely shared by activist groups, including claims that foreign nationals occupying a flat had fled after the discovery.
However, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda rejected these claims, saying the narrative being spread online was not accurate.
According to police, the items shown in the video were empty capsules and not drugs. The police explained that there was no confirmation of any illegal substances inside the containers and warned that conclusions were being made without proper forensic verification.
Colonel Netshiunda said the situation was being misrepresented on social media, adding that people should not rush to label items as drugs without proper investigation.
He also stated that in the specific flat where the capsules were found, no foreign nationals were present. Instead, authorities believe the occupants are South African nationals who may be struggling with substance addiction issues.
The case has since sparked debate online, with many users questioning how such viral claims spread so quickly without confirmation from law enforcement. Authorities say this is becoming a growing challenge, particularly in high-tension areas like Pinetown and Durban.
Authorities have urged the public to allow police to handle crime scenes, stressing that interference can damage potential evidence and mislead investigations.
KZN Police Response to Allegations of Foreign Nationals and Drug Activity in Durban
Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have strongly pushed back against suggestions that foreign nationals were involved in drug distribution in the Pinetown incident, saying the claims are not supported by evidence gathered at the scene.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda said law enforcement officers were present during the operation and did not find any foreign nationals in the building where the capsules were discovered. He stressed that misinformation can quickly escalate tensions between communities.
The police spokesperson also warned against civilians attempting to search individuals or take policing duties into their own hands. He said only law enforcement officers are legally empowered to conduct searches, seize evidence, or determine whether a crime is taking place.
Netshiunda added that even when members of the public believe they have discovered suspicious items, proper procedures must be followed to ensure that any evidence can stand in court.
He further explained that police have been engaging with community leaders involved in recent marches and public gatherings in Durban to encourage lawful conduct and reduce confrontation.
The issue has become particularly sensitive in KwaZulu-Natal, where debates around illegal immigration, crime, and policing have led to frequent online discussions and public demonstrations.
Police say they continue to arrest individuals found in violation of immigration and other laws, but all cases must follow due legal process, including deportation procedures where applicable.
Public Protests, Durban Police Station Standoff, and Removal of Foreign Nationals
The discussion around the Pinetown incident has also been linked to a separate situation outside the Durban Central Police Station, where a group of foreign nationals gathered seeking protection.
According to police, the group initially consisted of about 30 people who arrived at the station claiming they felt unsafe in their living conditions and were requesting assistance.
Negotiations were held between police and community representatives, but the situation escalated as the number of people increased significantly to more than 250 individuals over the following day.
Police say the group remained at the police station despite repeated requests to disperse, with some individuals reportedly stating they would rather die than leave the premises.
Authorities explained that police stations are not designated as places of residence and must remain operational for reporting crimes and providing services to the public.
Due to the growing crowd and operational concerns, police eventually used what they described as minimum legal force to disperse the group.
Colonel Netshiunda said the decision was made to prevent further escalation and maintain order, adding that authorities were attempting to manage the situation through dialogue before taking stronger action.
He also noted that police do not want to reach a point where enforcement becomes violent, and that ongoing discussions with community organisers are aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Police Warning Over Misinformation and Community Tensions in Pinetown and Durban
KwaZulu-Natal police have reiterated their concern over the spread of unverified claims on social media, saying false narratives can increase tensions within communities and place unnecessary pressure on law enforcement operations.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police are calling on members of the public, including activists and community leaders, to ensure that any information shared online is accurate and verified before being published.
He stressed that claims about drug discoveries, foreign nationals, or criminal activity must be backed by evidence and proper reporting channels.
Police also warned that civilians taking on investigative roles can interfere with evidence collection and potentially weaken future court cases.
Authorities have encouraged communities to report suspected criminal activity directly to police rather than conducting independent searches or raids.
The situation in Pinetown is being treated as part of a broader challenge involving misinformation, rising community tensions, and ongoing debates about policing and safety in KwaZulu-Natal.
Police say they will continue to monitor the situation and respond to verified criminal activity while maintaining dialogue with community leaders to reduce conflict and misunderstandings.
