Durban – KwaZulu-Natal police have taken five men in for questioning in connection with the murder, attempted murder and assault of foreign nationals during protests in Durban.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the men, aged between 19 and 46, were taken in on Friday afternoon during ongoing protests outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on Che Guevara Road in Umbilo.
“Information at hand at this stage suggests that the five persons can assist police in solving cases” involving attacks on foreign nationals in Durban, SAPS said in a statement.
The cases include the assault of a foreign national in the Durban central business district (CBD) on Wednesday afternoon, followed by the fatal assault of another foreign national in the CBD on Thursday morning.
Police are also investigating an incident in Berea on Thursday morning in which two foreign nationals were allegedly assaulted by a group of people participating in a march. The case involves assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
“The persons of interest are being processed at a police station and further updates will be provided in due course,” the statement said.
SAPS said investigations were ongoing, with police pursuing other people believed to have been involved in acts of violence and other criminal activity during the marches.
The five men are persons of interest in the investigations. Their being taken in for questioning does not establish guilt, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.
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Picture: Facebook / SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
