South African police said on Thursday they were investigating the killing of a foreign national by a crowd of about 50 people in the city of Durban.
The South African Police Service said in a post on X that the victim, thought to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was beaten by the crowd and declared dead at the scene
A group of people had been marching in central Durban when two men appeared to break away and approach the victim, after which he was assaulted by about 50 people, police said
Police did not give the victim’s nationality and said the motive for the killing was unknown
The incident follows months of anti-migrant protests in South Africa, some of which have turned violent and drawn international criticism, prompting thousands of migrants from elsewhere in Africa to flee affected communities
Earlier this month, anti-migrant protests in Durban and Johannesburg’s Soweto township turned violent, with foreign-owned businesses looted and vehicles set alight after demonstrations against the processing of asylum applications at a refugee reception centre.
#sapsKZN [POLICE INVESTIGATE MURDER OF A FOREIGN NATIONAL IN DURBAN CBD]
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have opened a murder case for investigation following an incident in which a foreign national, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was allegedly assaulted to death by a group of people on Thursday morning, 22 October 2026.
Information available at this stage suggests that a group of people was marching along Dr Pixley kaSeme Street towards Maud Mfusi Street. Two males reportedly broke away from the group and approached a man who was on the roadside. It is further alleged that the victim was then assaulted by a group of about 50 people and was declared dead at the scene.
Police are following several leads and using all investigative aids to identify possible suspects. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage, and community members are urged not to spread unverified information.
#SAPS #CrimeStop #TrioCrimes #MySAPSApp #CommunityPolicing ST
https://t.co/8n4tEXuRsd
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 22, 2026
Source: Reuters