A foreign national has been killed in a mob attack involving approximately 50 people in Durban, South Africa, according to the police.
Authorities said the unidentified victim, estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old, was initially confronted by two individuals along a roadside before several others joined the assault.
He died at the location.
Law enforcement officials have commenced investigations into the incident, although the circumstances and reasons behind the attack remain unclear.
The incident comes amid growing anti-immigrant demonstrations across South Africa, some of which have escalated into violence.
Earlier this month, businesses and vehicles were torched in Durban and Soweto, near Johannesburg.
Provincial police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda told the BBC that investigators were unable to determine the motive at this stage, adding that further details would be released after verification.
The South African government has appealed for calm while acknowledging calls for stricter immigration controls.
Authorities say thousands of undocumented foreigners have been deported or returned to their home countries since a nationwide enforcement campaign began earlier this year.
March and March, a movement associated with the demonstrations, previously demanded that all undocumented migrants leave the country by June 30.
Several rallies took place before the deadline, accompanied by reports of assaults against nationals from other African states.
The developments prompted Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe to consider or undertake measures to bring their citizens home over concerns about their safety.
Nigeria subsequently blamed South African authorities for the deaths of two of its nationals during the unrest that month.
Ghana also reported the fatal shooting of Bashiru Isak, a father of three, in Cape Town during demonstrations directed at foreign residents.
The incident triggered diplomatic tensions between Accra and Pretoria, with South African officials arguing that accounts of the violence had been overstated.
Meanwhile, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a prominent figure in the March and March movement, rejected allegations that the campaign was driven by hostility towards foreigners.
Speaking on the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, she questioned why demands for restrictions on immigration were being characterised as xenophobic after years of coexistence.
South Africa has experienced recurring xenophobic violence for almost 20 years.
In 2008, widespread attacks against immigrants claimed more than 60 lives and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes.
The latest disturbances are unfolding amid severe economic challenges, including persistent poverty, unequal wealth distribution and unemployment affecting approximately one-third of the labour force.
Foreign residents are often blamed for job shortages, criminal activities and pressure on public amenities.
However, researchers have challenged such broad accusations, noting that available evidence does not substantiate many of these claims.
Despite its economic difficulties, South Africa continues to attract migrants from across the continent who seek employment, security and improved living conditions.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong