A Ugandan citizen has been confirmed dead following a suspected xenophobic attack in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The deceased has been identified as Wilberforce Niwamanya, also known as Joseph Ainebyona.
Reports indicate he was beaten to death on Saturday.
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, confirmed the incident and stated that Niwamanya was working as a delivery rider at the time of the attack.
According to the ambassador, the assailants severely assaulted him before stealing the motorcycle he used for deliveries.
“I received with sadness the news of the death of Wilberforce Niwamanya, whose other name is Joseph Ainebyona. The report I received indicates that he was beaten and later succumbed to his injuries in KwaZulu-Natal Province. His motorcycle, which he was using for delivery services, was also stolen,” Ambassador Amoru said.
He noted that the killing appears connected to ongoing attacks targeting foreign nationals who have not left South Africa.
“This has been part of the actions against foreigners who declined to leave. We have already brought the matter to the attention of the Government of South Africa,” he added.
The ambassador stated that the Ugandan government has formally requested South African authorities to secure and preserve the deceased’s body, apprehend the perpetrators, and provide a full police report on the investigation.
“We have requested the Government of South Africa, first, to secure and preserve the body; second, to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous crime; and third, for the police to file and share with us a full report on how this case is being handled,” Amoru explained.
The attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa started about a month ago, prompting many migrants from various African countries to flee for safety.
A vigilante group has reportedly issued an ultimatum requiring all non-South Africans to leave the country by June 30, 2026.