XENOBAROMETER: Ugandan man nearly killed by March and March mob speaks from hospital
‘Simon’, recovering in hospital after a Durban mob attack, recounts fleeing masked protesters and losing consciousness as concerns grow over anti-immigrant violence in 2026.
Simon, a 45-year-old man from Uganda, is recovering in Addington Hospital after being attacked by a mob of March and March supporters in Durban on October 21st, 2026. The attack began when Simon heard sounds of a protest and decided to walk home, fearing confrontation with the protesters. As he walked down Yusuf Dadoo Street, he noticed another group of masked protesters heading towards him, some carrying weapons.
Simon decided to run away, but the attackers gave chase. He managed to find a safe direction when he saw the eThekwini peace officers, but lost consciousness during the chase. Simon suffered a bloody puncture wound on his back, likely caused by a club with a nail. He lost his phone, wallet, and documents during the attack. Five men, aged between 19 and 46, were taken into custody for questioning in connection with the murder and attempted murder, which are believed to be connected to the assault on Simon.
Despite the police's claim that they are not aware of any xenophobic attacks in the province, the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign has documented a steady escalation in violence against foreign nationals in Durban throughout 2026.
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