South African police are probing the death of a foreign national who was struck down by a crowd of roughly fifty people in Durban on Thursday. The victim, believed to be in his late thirties or early forties, was reportedly beaten and declared dead at the scene, the South African Police Service said in a post on X.
Witnesses said a group had been marching in central Durban when two men appeared to separate from the main procession and approach the victim. The man was then assaulted by the mob, police added.
Authorities have not disclosed the victim’s nationality and say the motive behind the killing remains unknown. The incident comes amid a series of anti‑migrant protests across South Africa that have turned violent and drawn international criticism, prompting many migrants from other African countries to flee affected communities.
Earlier this month, similar demonstrations in Durban and Johannesburg’s Soweto township erupted into violence, with foreign‑owned businesses looted and vehicles set on fire in protests against the processing of asylum applications at a refugee reception centre.
Police are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information to come forward. The case highlights the growing tensions surrounding migration and public safety in South Africa.
