Two foreign nationals found stabbed to death after tavern clash in KZN

Police have opened a double murder case after two foreign nationals were found stabbed to death following a violent altercation outside a tavern in the Sangweni Isithebe area of KwaZulu‑Natal.

What happened

According to police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday after a drunken dispute outside the tavern that escalated into violence. Investigators say the two deceased reportedly started stabbing each other while walking from the tavern.

One of the deceased was found at the scene, while the other was located by community members a few metres away and is believed to have died from multiple stab wounds.

Police response and investigation

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that detectives are probing two counts of murder. He said a third person who witnessed the incident and shares the same nationality as the victims is being questioned by police.

“Information available at this stage suggests that the two deceased were walking from a tavern under the influence of alcohol when an altercation ensued, and they reportedly started stabbing each other.”

Related inquiries

Netshiunda said investigations are also under way into separate reports of assault and malicious damage to property after five mud structures were destroyed at Lot 14 in KwaDukuza on Friday night, 26 June 2026. He said reports indicate a group of men had gone to the area searching for a suspected stolen fridge, and when they could not find it they allegedly assaulted a man and destroyed the structures.

Misinformation warning

Colonel Netshiunda warned the public against speculation about the incidents and cautioned against sharing inflammatory messages online. He said police denounce claims that the two incidents were part of an ongoing wave of anti‑foreigner sentiments and reminded residents that sharing such material can be an offence under the Cybercrimes Act.

“Police denounce any misinformation that the two incidents happened as a result of an ongoing wave of anti‑illegal foreigner sentiments. Residents are reminded that under Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act, sharing of inflammatory or messages that may incite violence is a criminal offence.”

How to help

Police have asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.