A foreign national was beaten to death by a crowd of about 50 people in central Durban, South Africa, on Thursday, October 22, amid persistent anti-migrant tensions.
Police said two men approached the victim, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, as he stood beside a road before others joined the assault. He died at the scene.
His nationality and the motive for the killing remain unknown. Police have not confirmed any arrests.
The attack comes two weeks after anti-migrant unrest in Durban and Johannesburg’s Soweto township left 14 vehicles burned in Durban, businesses looted and a lodge and warehouse damaged by fire. Three foreign nationals were arrested over an alleged assault on a protester preceding the disturbances.
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Soldiers were deployed to parts of Durban to help contain the violence.
The unrest unfolded amid controversy over access to South Africa’s asylum system following a Constitutional Court ruling. The government later withdrew an administrative directive intended to implement the ruling, citing operational challenges and public safety concerns.
Anti-migrant protests have continued across the country. On Wednesday, October 21, e-hailing drivers marched in central Durban in a demonstration involving the March and March movement, which campaigns against undocumented immigration.
Earlier this year, anti-migrant violence and intimidation prompted migrants from other African countries to leave affected communities, with some seeking assistance to return home.
Police have not established whether Thursday’s killing was linked to the protests. Investigations are ongoing.