Malawian Killed, Hundreds Displaced As Anti-Foreigner Violence Escalates In South Africa
Published on June 22, 2026 at 2:10 PM by Evance Kapito
A 29-year-old Malawian national was stoned to death in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday, triggering fresh fears among foreign nationals and forcing hundreds of Malawians to flee their homes.
The victim, who lived at the Jika Joe Informal Settlement with his family, was allegedly attacked by a mob that broke away from an anti-illegal immigration march organized by a group known as “March and March.”
According to reports, the attackers, armed with sticks and stones, moved through the settlement targeting foreign nationals. The Malawian man was cornered and fatally assaulted, while at least two other foreign nationals sustained serious injuries during the violence.
The incident has sparked panic among migrant communities, leading to a mass displacement of Malawians and other foreign nationals from the area.
Officials say hundreds of Malawians initially sought refuge at a local mosque before being moved to temporary shelters. More than 1,000 Malawians are now reportedly being accommodated at the Sherwood Community Centre transit site and other emergency facilities in Durban.
Authorities in South Africa, working alongside the Malawian High Commission and the Department of Home Affairs, are conducting biometric verification and registration exercises to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of those wishing to return home.
Malawian officials have expressed concern over the growing number of displaced citizens and are urging the South African government to establish an additional temporary facility in Pietermaritzburg to speed up the evacuation and repatriation process.
Currently, two temporary reception centres are operating in KwaZulu-Natal, both located in Durban. Officials believe a centre closer to Pietermaritzburg would ease pressure on existing shelters and provide quicker assistance to those affected.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a murder investigation alongside several cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Police have since increased their presence around the Jika Joe settlement to prevent further violence.
No arrests had been announced by the time of publication.
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence have continued to force many migrants, including Malawians, to seek refuge or return home.
