Tensions over immigration and rallies against foreign nationals continue to increase in South Africa, where a foreign national was beaten to death by a crowd of over 50 people in Durban.
The victim, thought to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was attacked on Thursday, October 22, in the city’s central business district, South African police said. He was pronounced deceased at the spot.
Police said two guys from the group walking through the area allegedly approached the victim, who was standing next to a road, and a bigger throng then participated in the assault. The nationality of the victim has not been released by authorities, who added the motivation for the homicide is unknown.
Police spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Robert Netshiunda said investigators were investigating a number of leads and utilising whatever investigative procedures were available to help them pinpoint those involved. He also appealed to the people not to spread unsubstantiated information on the situation.
The assassination occurred amid months of anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, with some protests calling for tougher immigration enforcement turning violent targeting foreign people and companies controlled by migrants.
Durban has become one of the epicentres of the conflict. Earlier this month, protests in the city reportedly turned into looting and arson, with vehicles set alight and businesses damaged. There have also been reports of violence in Johannesburg’s Soweto township.
The protests have been partly fuelled by demands for tougher action on illegal immigration, with some protesters blaming foreign people for competition for jobs, crime and pressure on public services. But such sweeping claims against migrants are still controversial, and a person’s immigration status does not excuse violence against them.
The recent death has raised security concerns about the safety of migrants living and working in South Africa, a significant destination for immigrants from other African countries seeking employment and economic prospects.
Nigeria, Mozambique, Malawi and others have already expressed alarm over attacks on their nationals in the latest round of anti-migrant violence. Some Governments have also organised or are considering repatriation for nationals who fear more bloodshed.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the anti-migrant violence but acknowledged long-standing problems in the country’s border administration. The government has also defended enforcement efforts against anyone found living in the country without the appropriate papers.
Police have not confirmed if the latest killing was fuelled by bigotry or directly linked to the demonstration. No suspects were publicly named in the reports accessible at the time of publishing.
The investigation is ongoing and police are expected to identify the facts of the incident and determine who was responsible.
About the Author
