Five men, aged between 19 and 46, have been taken in for questioning by police in Durban, South Africa, as investigations into a spate of violent attacks against foreign nationals intensify. The men were taken in during ongoing protests outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on Che Guevara Road in Umbilo on Friday afternoon, October 23. According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the men are persons of interest who could assist investigators in solving several cases of violence reported in Durban.
The investigations include the assault of a foreign national in the Durban CBD on Wednesday, as well as the murder of another foreign national, who was allegedly assaulted to death in the CBD on Thursday morning. Police are also investigating a case of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm after two foreign nationals were allegedly attacked by a group of people marching in Berea on Thursday morning. The incidents have contributed to heightened tensions in the area.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the five men, and being taken in as persons of interest does not mean they have been charged or found guilty of any offence. The men are assisting investigators in tracing other people who may have been involved in the violent attacks. Colonel Netshiunda stated that police are pursuing other persons who are believed to have been involved in acts of violence and other criminality during marches.
The latest developments come amid heightened tensions surrounding protests outside Home Affairs offices, with police investigating whether individuals involved in the demonstrations were linked to the reported attacks. The protests have been ongoing, and police have been working to maintain order and identify those responsible for the violence.
The murder, attempted murder, and assaults are being investigated, and police are working to identify and trace other people who may have been involved. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in Durban, and authorities have urged calm and cooperation from the public.
The KwaZulu-Natal police are working to address the root causes of the violence and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The community has been urged to provide information and support to the police in their investigations. Colonel Netshiunda emphasized that police are committed to maintaining public safety and preventing further incidents.
The investigations are ongoing, and police will provide updates as more information becomes available. The five men taken in for questioning will be released if no evidence of their involvement in the crimes is found. The public has been assured that authorities are taking the incidents seriously and working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Five men taken in for questioning over violent attacks against foreign nationals in Durban.
- Investigations include a murder, assault, and attempted murder.
- Police are pursuing other persons believed to have been involved in acts of violence.
