- A man believed to be a foreign national was allegedly beaten to death by a group of about 50 people during a march in central Durban on Thursday
- March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma responded to allegations linking her organisation to the fatal assault
- Police have launched a murder investigation into the death, but the motive behind the killing remains unknown
Source: Getty Images
DURBAN — March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has called on the public to refrain from speculating about the death of a man believed to be a foreign national who was allegedly beaten to death during a march in central Durban on Thursday.
A group of approximately 50 people allegedly carried out the assault during demonstrations in the city. South African Police Service (SAPS) has since opened a murder investigation, though authorities have not yet established a motive for the killing.
Ngobese-Zuma distances March and March from attack
Speaking to MDNtv journalist Norma Duma, Ngobese-Zuma cautioned South Africans against drawing a direct line between the death and anti-foreigner sentiment attributed to her organisation. She pointed out that March and March had previously faced accusations of involvement in the torching of vehicles during a separate protest in Durban, which had been held in opposition to a Home Affairs directive announcing the reopening of asylum applications.
"March and March is against violence against anyone, including foreign nationals," she said.
She added that it could not simply be assumed that every incident involving foreign nationals was her organisation's doing.
Ngobese-Zuma said the law must be allowed to take its course, and that anyone found responsible for the killing must face arrest. She added that if SAPS did not witness the incident occurring during the march, then justice must still be pursued through proper channels.
Social media reacts to her statement
Her remarks drew sharp responses online, with several users questioning the credibility of her call for restraint.
@phakama_darkie wrote:
"Duduzile Zuma was charged for just saying 'We see you'. I'm just saying..."
@C_Blez_ said:
"Today, she's asking people not to speculate when we are constantly subjected to her lies, unverified stories and accusations towards foreigners."
@tetz_7 noted:
"When a mob acts unruly the ring leaders are the ones who get accountable."
@EddyNcube660832 commented:
"Ramaphosa is playing a long game .. trust me soon after elections jail will be the next home for these ppl"
@Rivoni_Sibuyi added:
"At the end, someone will be held responsible for all these."
Watch Ngobese-Zuma's full remarks to MDNtv:
Gqeberha taxi drivers, community chase foreign nationals
In a related article, Briefly News reported on protests in Gqeberha, where community members and taxi drivers targeted foreign nationals accused of selling narcotics to minors. Demonstrations also continued in Durban on 22 October 2026.
The unrest turned deadly in Durban, where a foreign national was killed after being assaulted by protesters. The attack came amid renewed anti-immigrant protests, despite the government’s rejection of calls for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
Source: Briefly News
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