DURBAN, South Africa, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- South African police have opened a murder investigation after a foreign national was allegedly beaten to death by a crowd of about 50 people in South Africa's coastal city of Durban on Thursday morning.
The victim, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was declared dead at the scene, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
According to preliminary information, a group of people was marching along Dr Pixley kaSeme Street toward Maud Mfusi Street in the city center when two men broke away from the group and approached the victim, who was standing on the roadside.
The victim was then allegedly attacked by about 50 people, police added.
Police said they were following several leads and using all available investigative resources to identify those involved in the attack, and the motive for the killing had not yet been established.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Durban over immigration issues. On Oct. 8, violent protests erupted in the city's central business district during demonstrations linked to concerns over undocumented immigration and asylum applications.
According to SAPS, at least 14 vehicles were set alight during the unrest, while a lodge and a warehouse were partially damaged. Police also arrested three foreign nationals in connection with the alleged assault of a protester, which police said preceded the violence.
South Africa has experienced heightened tensions surrounding immigration in recent months, with protests in several parts of the country focusing on undocumented migrants and access to the asylum system.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against violence and misinformation, while stressing that immigration-related grievances should be addressed through lawful channels. ■