Xenophobia: South African police probe murder of foreign national

South African police are investigating the murder of a foreign national in Pietermaritzburg, a city experiencing heightened xenophobic tensions. The investigation comes as hundreds of Malawians have gathered at a repatriation center, fearing for their safety amid a wave of unrest targeting undocumented migrants.

The country, one of Africa's largest economies, has been on edge for weeks due to sometimes violent protests against undocumented migrants. At least two people have died in related incidents, including a 29-year-old Malawian national who was attacked and died after a protest in Pietermaritzburg on Friday. A local councillor confirmed the victim's identity, though police stated they await confirmation from the victim's country of origin before officially releasing nationality details. The Malawian government is reportedly investigating the incident.

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His family identified him, he is a Malawian national.

According to a police statement, the man was attacked by a mob, escaped to an informal settlement, and subsequently "slipped into the river." He was found with injuries, and a murder case has been opened. Meanwhile, hundreds of Malawians have been seeking repatriation from Pietermaritzburg in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province since Friday.

Adding to the tension, small, organized citizen-led groups have issued an unofficial ultimatum demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa by June 30. While this demand lacks legal backing, it has already prompted thousands of individuals from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique to depart. These recent tensions precede local government elections scheduled for November 4. Past outbreaks of xenophobic violence have been deadly, with 62 people killed in 2008 and at least 12 dead in 2019.

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He was found on the riverbend with a cut on the head and injuries on the mouth.