In brief
Last night, a foreign national was killed by a mob of roughly 50 people in Durban, South Africa, during a wave of xenophobic protests that have already torched property across the country. The police are investigating, but the motive remains unknown. South Africa’s migrant crisis has sparked violence as people accuse immigrants of stealing jobs and burdening public services. The government is calling for calm while working on migration reforms, but tensions stay high.
Massive mob kills foreigner in Durban
In a shocking turn of events last night, a foreign national, believed to be between 30 and 40, was beaten to death by a crowd of roughly 50 people in Durban, South Africa. Police say the man was first approached by two men before being attacked by the larger group and died at the scene.
The incident is part of a wider wave of xenophobic protests that have been simmering this year. Earlier this month, shops and cars were torched in Durban and Soweto, and other attacks have occurred in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The protests stem from accusations that immigrants take jobs, contribute to crime and strain public services.
South African authorities are calling for calm while working on migration reforms. They say tens of thousands of foreign nationals have been deported since a crackdown began in early 2024. A government spokesperson said more details would be released once the investigation is verified.
The violence has alarmed neighbouring countries. Nigeria and Ghana have called for the safe return of their citizens, and Ghana’s government lodged a diplomatic protest after a citizen was killed in Cape Town.
