Hundreds of protesters gathered outside a court in South Africa’s coastal city of Durban on Friday as the government sought judicial intervention to rein in anti-migrant demonstrations that have turned deadly, leaving one person dead last week.

Durban, the Zulu heartland, has emerged as a focal point of anti-migrant agitation led by the March and March movement, which has organised demonstrations against undocumented foreigners across the country for months.

Some demonstrations have turned violent, including last week when a mob of about 50 people beat a foreign national to death, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy more than 500 soldiers to support the police.

Protesters sang and chanted outside the high court, waving placards reading “reclaim our country” and sticks as police officers kept a close watch.

Supporters of several political parties, including the centre-right ActionSA and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party led by former president Jacob Zuma, also turned out in solidarity.

Judge Peter Olsen allowed March and March movement to proceed with its planned demonstrations, but under tighter conditions following amendments to the government’s application.

Under the revised terms, the group may march between 9am and 3pm, with participants barred from carrying weapons or covering their faces. The group was also prohibited from destroying property or setting fire to buildings.

The matter is expected to return to court next year.