Five men aged between 19 and 46 have been taken in by KwaZulu-Natal police for questioning in connection with the murder, attempted murder and assault of foreign nationals during protests in Durban.
The men were taken in on Friday afternoon, October 23, during ongoing protests outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on Che Guevara Road in Umbilo.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the five men could assist investigators in solving several cases involving alleged attacks on foreign nationals in Durban this week.
Three cases under investigation
According to Netshiunda, the first case relates to the assault of a foreign national in the Durban central business district (CBD) on Wednesday afternoon.
The second involves the murder of a foreign national who was allegedly assaulted to death in the CBD on Thursday morning.
The third case concerns two foreign nationals who were allegedly assaulted by a group of people marching in the Berea area on Thursday morning. The case involves assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police have not disclosed the identities of the five men or indicated whether they have been formally charged.
Police pursue other suspects
Netshiunda said the men were being processed at a police station, with further updates expected as the investigation progresses.
Investigations are continuing, with police also pursuing other people believed to have been involved in acts of violence and other criminal activities during the marches.
Police have urged the public to allow investigators to continue their work as they seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
On Thursday, IOL reported that a victim believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s — was targeted during a march.
Police said a group of people was marching along Dr Pixley kaSeme Street toward Maud Mfusi Street when two men split off from the crowd and approached the victim on the roadside.
Shortly after, a mob of approximately 50 people allegedly attacked the man, who succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News