A 29-year-old Malawian national was killed in an alleged xenophobic attack at the Jika Joe informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on Friday, June 19, 2026, prompting dozens of foreigners to flee their homes. The incident followed a large protest in the city centre by the anti-immigrant civic group March and March, which is campaigning to drive out illegal foreigners.
Details of the Attack
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the victim was initially attacked by a group of people at Sable Flats Manor but managed to escape and ran toward the Jika Joe settlement. He slipped into a river and was later found on the riverbed with a cut on the head and injuries to the mouth. He was declared dead at the scene. Police are investigating a case of murder. Netshiunda stated that the area is stable and under police monitoring.
Residents and Officials React
Residents claimed the man was stoned to death by a group armed with sticks. Area ward councillor Suraya Reddy reported that the area remained volatile on Saturday, with many foreigners fleeing their homes in fear. “Many of them were attacked and were running, without shoes or their possessions, and came under attack. Some of them were injured, and we arranged temporary shelter for them. They are mainly Malawians and we had to engage private medical care because they were refused treatment at government facilities,” Reddy said. She added that a network of NGOs is arranging a bus to transport them to Durban, where they can join other displaced Malawians. “It’s heartbreaking to see this unfolding here. It’s a human rights abuse and we cannot sit back and watch people attack other human beings for whatever reason.”
Witness Accounts
One resident who asked not to be named described the scene: “It was a terrible sight seeing people running in terror. Even the children were traumatised.” It is also alleged that the dead man’s brother was injured during the incident.
Mayor Condemns Violence
Msunduzi municipality mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla condemned the incident, calling it a crisis and a violation of human rights. “Human lives are now at risk, whether foreign nationals or South Africans. We cannot allow people to come into communities and take a life,” he said.
