Concern is growing over rising tensions in Pietermaritzburg's Jika Joe Informal Settlement following the death of a foreign national after a march in the city last week.
Police say the body of a 29-year-old Malawian national was discovered on Friday after he was allegedly attacked and chased by a group of people.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Premier's Office, more than 2,000 people participated in a march from Dales Park to City Hall on Friday. Authorities said the demonstration concluded peacefully.
However, officials say a group later broke away from the main march and reportedly headed to the informal settlement, where the man was killed.
The incident has heightened fears among residents and local leaders ahead of 30 June, a date set by some anti-illegal immigration groups as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Ward councillor Suraya Reddy says the killing has left the community anxious and has placed additional pressure on local authorities as they try to assist foreign nationals who have been displaced following threats.
She says efforts are underway to temporarily house those affected before they are transported to Sherwood Park in Durban.
"Just to house them while they're being bused to Sherwood in Durban. It's an ongoing process because we find that the more we bus them out, the more arrive," Reddy said.
"But the displacement puts a large amount of pressure on ward councillors, especially me, because we can't have them wandering the streets. They are now going to be walking around in the cold as well as the security risk for themselves."
Reddy said allowing displaced individuals to remain on the streets of Pietermaritzburg could expose them to further danger.
"Having them walk around in PMB is not safe. It's better that we have a meeting point where they can all meet and be safer," she said.
Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations into the killing continue, while community leaders and government officials work to prevent further unrest in the area.