DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a massive manhunt after a foreign national was killed in a Durban CBD mob attack this morning. The victim, a man believed to be in his late 30s, was fatally assaulted at the corner of Doctor Pixley KaSeme and Maud Mfusi Street and was declared dead at the scene.
According to law enforcement, the brutal incident unfolded when a large crowd of approximately 50 people was present in the area. Two men allegedly broke away from the main group to approach the victim, initiating the assault before the rest of the crowd joined in.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda clarified the sequence of events, confirming that while two individuals initially pulled away from the larger demonstration to confront the victim, the wider group subsequently participated in the attack.
Investigation and Motive Remain Unclear
A murder case has officially been opened, but authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculation regarding the motive. When questioned whether the victim was targeted specifically because he was a foreign national, Colonel Netshiunda stated that the motive remains unknown at this stage.
“Our investigations will lead us to the motive behind the attack,” Colonel Netshiunda explained. “We don’t want to say for now… as things stand, we do not know what sparked the attack.”
Police priorities are currently focused on identifying and apprehending the suspects. Colonel Netshiunda emphasized that once the culprits are found, the exact reasons for the march and the subsequent killing will be established, noting that “there’s no reason that justifies murder.” While up to 50 people may have been present, investigators acknowledge that a smaller subset may have physically carried out the assault, though all involved could face legal consequences.
CCTV Footage and Police Deployment
To aid in the investigation, police are leveraging the city’s surveillance infrastructure. Colonel Netshiunda confirmed that the Durban CBD is equipped with CCTV cameras and that footage from the exact location of the incident has been secured. Analysts are currently reviewing the video to clearly identify the suspects and ensure the right individuals are arrested.
In response to the killing and the potential for further unrest, a heavy police presence has been deployed across the city center. Authorities are actively monitoring and managing various planned marches in the area, whether participants are traveling on foot, on motorcycles, or in motor vehicles.
Urgent Warning Against Misinformation
In light of recent tensions and various marches held in the Durban CBD regarding foreign nationals, Colonel Netshiunda issued a stern warning to the public regarding the spread of unverified information on social media.
He cautioned that circulating rumors about the victim’s legal status or falsely claiming the march was specifically targeted against legal foreigners could have severe consequences. “It has got the potential of sparking undesired violence when people want to go on a killing spree or others want to go on a revenge spree, which is what we don’t want as police and anybody who’s living in South Africa,” he warned.
He urged residents to be responsible, verify facts before posting, and avoid sharing content that could incite further violence between locals and foreign nationals.
Call for Public Assistance
Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the attack or has information regarding the identities of the suspects to come forward. Members of the public can report information anonymously by calling the crime stop number, using the mySAPS mobile application, or by dropping information in the anonymous boxes available at any local police station.
Authorities assure the public that all provided information will be handled with strict confidentiality as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
