A 29-year-old Malawian national was killed in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, amid a wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. The attack occurred on Friday, local councillor Suraya Reddy confirmed Tuesday.

The victim was attacked by a mob, escaped to an informal settlement, but fell into a river. He was found with head and mouth injuries. Police have opened a murder investigation but await official confirmation of nationality from Malawian authorities.

Hundreds of Malawians have gathered at a repatriation center in Pietermaritzburg since Friday, seeking evacuation. Anti-migrant groups have issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave, though the demand lacks legal basis.

South Africa has seen weeks of xenophobic unrest, with at least two deaths and thousands fleeing. The country has a history of such violence: over 60 died in 2008 riots, and 12 were killed in 2019 attacks on foreign-owned businesses.

The violence comes ahead of November local elections, with political tensions high. Over the weekend, gunmen killed four people linked to political parties during voter registration.

Source: www.aljazeera.com