Displaced Malawian nationals prepare to board a bus at an abandoned municipality building on Mayor’s Walk in Pietermaritzburg on June 23, 2026 after fleeing their homes amid fears of xenophobic attacks and threats from anti-illegal immigration groups.
The country, one of Africa's largest and most industrialised economies, has been on edge following weeks of sometimes violent xenophobic unrest that has left at least two people dead. Small but organised groups have issued an ultimatum for undocumented migrants to exit or face consequences, a demand with no legal force.. Credit: AFP
Police in South Africa said Tuesday they were investigating the murder of a foreign national in Pietermaritzburg, where hundreds of Malawians flocked for repatriation due to fears of xenophobic attacks.
South Africa, one of Africa’s largest economies, has been on edge following weeks of sometimes violent protests against undocumented migrants that have left at least two people dead in the southern town of Mossel Bay.
A 29-year-old Malawian national was attacked and died after a protest in the southeastern town of Pietermaritzburg on Friday, a local councillor told AFP.
