Police Investigate Malawian’s Death Amid Surge in Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

South African police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 29 year old Malawian national amid rising anti-immigrant tensions in the country. The incident occurred in Pietermaritzburg, where hundreds of Malawians have sought repatriation due to fears of xenophobic attacks and threats from anti-migrant groups.

The killing comes as South Africa faces weeks of unrest linked to growing hostility toward undocumented migrants. Anti-immigration groups have issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, prompting fear among migrant communities and leading several African nations to repatriate their citizens.

Authorities have increased security measures ahead of the deadline, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobic violence and warned against vigilantism. He has stressed that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state and not private groups.

The latest death adds to growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa. Human rights groups and regional leaders have urged the government to protect migrants and hold perpetrators accountable as fears of further violence continue to mount.