A foreign national has been beaten to death by a mob in the South African city of Durban amid growing tensions over immigration and a series of anti-migrant demonstrations.
Police said approximately 50 people allegedly attacked the man in the city’s central business district during a protest.
The victim, believed to be in his 30s or early 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have launched an investigation and are working to identify those responsible.
Mob attacks man in central Durban
According to South African police, the victim was standing beside a road when a group approached him.
The man was allegedly assaulted by around 50 people, leaving him with fatal injuries.
Emergency responders declared him dead at the scene.
Police have not disclosed his nationality or released his identity.
Investigators have also provided limited information about the demonstration during which the attack occurred.
Authorities are continuing efforts to identify suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns about violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Anti-migrant protests escalate in Durban
Durban has experienced months of demonstrations demanding stronger government action against undocumented immigration.
Protests began in June, with some participants calling for migrants without legal residency documents to leave the country.
While some demonstrations have remained peaceful, others have been accompanied by violence, intimidation and looting.
Two weeks before the latest killing, an anti-migrant march in Durban was followed by unrest and attacks.
The continuing tensions have raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals living and working in the city.
The latest death highlights the risks faced by migrant communities as public anger over immigration intensifies.
African countries raise concerns over attacks
Several African governments have expressed concern about the safety of their citizens in South Africa.
Nigeria, Mozambique and Malawi are among the countries that have reported deaths of nationals in incidents described as xenophobic attacks.
However, South African authorities have disputed the classification of some cases, saying certain deaths were linked to criminal activity rather than anti-immigrant violence.
The differing accounts have added to diplomatic concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of migrants have reportedly left South Africa in recent months.
Some have departed because of fears of violence, while others have been deported for lacking the required immigration documents.
The departures represent a significant movement of people during a period of heightened insecurity.
Economic pressures fuel immigration tensions
South Africa has long attracted migrants from neighbouring countries seeking employment, education and economic opportunities.
However, unemployment and pressure on public services have contributed to resentment in some communities.
Anti-migrant groups argue that undocumented immigration places additional pressure on jobs, housing and healthcare.
These concerns have become a central theme in demonstrations across parts of the country.
However, economic grievances do not justify attacks on foreign nationals.
Government figures indicate that approximately 2.4 million foreign nationals live in South Africa, which has a population of around 62 million.
Migrants form part of the country’s workforce and contribute to sectors including trade, agriculture and services.
Ramaphosa condemns anti-migrant violence
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violence against foreign nationals.
He has also acknowledged weaknesses in the country’s border management system.
According to Ramaphosa, inadequate border controls have allowed some undocumented migrants to enter and remain in South Africa.
The government faces pressure to address immigration concerns while ensuring that foreign nationals are protected from violence.
Authorities have also continued immigration enforcement operations, including deportations of people without valid residency documents.
However, the latest killing has renewed concerns about the consequences of escalating anti-migrant hostility.
Police investigate deadly assault
South African police are continuing their investigation into the fatal attack in Durban.
Authorities have not announced arrests in connection with the killing, according to the information released so far.
The victim’s identity and nationality remain undisclosed.
The incident comes as South Africa faces renewed scrutiny over xenophobic violence and the treatment of migrants.
For foreign communities, the continuing unrest has created uncertainty over personal safety and their future in the country.
The investigation is expected to focus on identifying the attackers and establishing accountability for the man’s death.