Durban Anti-Immigrant Protests Turn Deadly As Five Men Are Detained Over Foreign National’s Murder
Five men have been detained for questioning in connection with violent protests in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, during which a foreign national was beaten to death and other migrants were allegedly assaulted.
The men, aged between 19 and 46, were taken in by police on Friday afternoon during protests outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on Che Guevara Road in Umbilo.
Police are investigating several cases linked to the violence, including murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
Mob Of About 50 Allegedly Attacked Victim
According to The Citizen, the murder occurred on Thursday morning when a group of approximately 50 people allegedly attacked a foreign national who was standing beside a road in Durban.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the group was marching along Dr Pixley KaSeme Street towards Maud Mfusi Street when two men broke away from the procession and approached the victim.
The pair allegedly drew the attention of the larger group, which then joined in the assault. The man, believed to have been in his late 30s or early 40s, died at the scene.
Police have launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify everyone involved in the attack.
Five Men Could Help Police Solve Multiple Cases
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said investigators believe the five detained men could provide information about several violent incidents involving foreign nationals.
These include an assault on a foreign national in Durban’s central business district on Wednesday, the fatal attack on Thursday and a separate case of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
Netshiunda said the men were being processed at a police station, with further information expected as investigations progress.
Police are also pursuing other individuals suspected of participating in violent acts and other criminal activities during the marches.
The five men have been detained for further investigation, and police have not announced any charges against them.
Anti-Immigrant Protests Continue Despite Policy U-Turn
The violence comes amid sustained demonstrations against illegal immigration in Durban, where protests have been accompanied by looting and other acts of violence.
Tensions escalated after the Department of Home Affairs issued a directive on September 28 concerning the intake of asylum seeker applications. The decision triggered protests in several parts of South Africa, with demonstrators expressing opposition to illegal immigration.
Although the department subsequently withdrew the directive, demonstrations continued near Home Affairs offices as protesters maintained their demands over immigration enforcement.
Police have called on investigations to continue as they work to identify those responsible for the attacks on foreign nationals.