A national from Malawi has tragically lost his life, and two others suffered severe injuries following the violence that broke out after an anti-immigration protest in Pietermaritzburg.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has confirmed the fatal incident, which took place on Friday after a significant gathering of more than 2,000 attendees wrapped up in the city.
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The demonstration, organized by the March and March movement, moved from Dales Park to the Pietermaritzburg City Hall without any issues until a group supposedly dispersed and headed toward the Jika Joe informal settlement.
Malawian Man Fatally Attacked in Jika Joe Informal Settlement
The Malawian man was reportedly attacked by a mob in the informal settlement on Friday night.
Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched and that detectives are looking into the circumstances surrounding the event.
“The situation in the Jika Joe informal settlement is currently stable, and no arrests have been made yet. We are aware that the murder was carried out by a mob, and police are conducting a thorough investigation to avoid mistakenly detaining innocent individuals.
“We are collaborating with our intelligence networks and informants on the ground, and we believe we will soon make headway in catching those responsible. Regardless of the situation, law enforcement must act against crime.”
Reports indicate that the victim was found near a riverbed with severe head injuries and damage to his mouth. Two other individuals were also assaulted during the incident and have been hospitalized for treatment.
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Authorities have stated that their investigation into the assault is ongoing.
KZN Premier Condemns Violence After Anti-Immigration March
Premier Ntuli condemned the killing, stating that violence can never be defended, regardless of the issues discussed during the protest.
“The loss of life in such situations is deeply saddening and completely intolerable. While citizens have a constitutional right to express their concerns and participate in peaceful demonstrations, no grievance can justify violence, vigilantism, or attacks on any individual or group,” he stated.
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“Criminal behavior must never be allowed to masquerade as activism or community justice.”
Police have also reported that a group of foreign nationals is seeking refuge at a local mosque while officers continue to monitor the environment.
Anti-Illegal Immigration Campaign Heightens Tensions in KZN
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing tensions concerning illegal immigration in KwaZulu-Natal and various other parts of South Africa.
Groups opposing undocumented immigration, such as the March and March movement, have insisted that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country by June 30, warning of possible forced removals by community members if they do not comply.
The government has rejected this ultimatum, asserting that immigration enforcement falls under state jurisdiction.
In Durban, thousands of Malawians have sought refuge at Sherwood Hall, seeking assistance to return home amid rising threats and harassment, with many reportedly fleeing from informal settlements within and around the city.
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Investigations into the murder in Pietermaritzburg are ongoing.
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