Malawian Man Killed After Anti-Immigration March Turns Violent In Pietermaritzburg

A Malawian national has been killed and two other people seriously injured after violence erupted following an anti-immigration march in Pietermaritzburg.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli confirmed the fatal attack, which happened on Friday after a large demonstration involving more than 2,000 people concluded in the city.

The march, led by the March and March movement, travelled from Dales Park to the Pietermaritzburg City Hall without any reported incidents before a group allegedly broke away and headed to the Jika Joe informal settlement.

Malawian Man Killed After Violence At Jika Joe Informal Settlement

The Malawian man was allegedly attacked by a mob at the informal settlement on Friday night.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed that a murder case has been opened and that detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing.

“It is calm at the Jika Joe informal settlement, and yes, there is no arrest yet. We are told that it was a mob that committed the murder and police need to comb the scene properly so that to avoid to picking up the wrong people.

“So we are working with our intelligence, with our informers on the ground. Will believe that very soon we will crack the case and arrest those who are responsible. It doesn’t matter the reason where Crime is committed, police must act.”

According to reports, the victim was found near a riverbed with a cut to his head and injuries to his mouth. Two other people were assaulted during the incident and were admitted to hospital for treatment.

Police said investigations into the attack are ongoing.

KZN Premier Condemns Violence Following Anti-Immigration March

Premier Ntuli condemned the killing, saying violence could never be justified, regardless of the issues raised during the protest.

“The loss of human life under these circumstances is deeply regrettable and unacceptable. While citizens have a constitutional right to raise concerns and participate in peaceful demonstrations, no grievance, frustration or disagreement can ever justify acts of violence, vigilantism, mob justice or the targeting of any individual or group,” he said.

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“Criminality must never be allowed to masquerade as activism or community action.”

Police also confirmed that a group of foreign nationals has taken refuge at a local mosque while officers continue to monitor the area.

Anti-Illegal Immigration Campaign Raises Tensions In KZN

The incident comes amid growing tensions over illegal immigration in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa.

Groups campaigning against undocumented immigration, including the March and March movement, have called on undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by 30 June, warning they would otherwise be forcibly removed by communities.

The government has rejected the ultimatum, maintaining that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the state.

In Durban, thousands of Malawian nationals have sought shelter at Sherwood Hall while requesting assistance to return home, saying they have faced increasing threats and intimidation. Many were reportedly forced to flee informal settlements in and around the city.

Police investigations into the Pietermaritzburg murder are continuing.