Police reveal identities of Durban beach stabbing victims

The victims have been identified as 50-year-old Fathima Muhammad and 24-year-old Kresan Chandiah.

A waste collector stumbled upon the bodies of the man and woman on north beach on Monday.

READ: Two bodies found on Durban beach

Mohamed's bag was found at the scene and still had some of her belongings, including her ID.

Her family says the mother-of three was a humble and kind person.

Durban police have opened murder cases.

eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has called on police to intensify their investigations into the stabbings.

In a statement, Mayor Kaunda has expressed his condolences to the victims' families and has urged police to work around the clock to find the suspects.

He is also encouraging those who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and help police with their investigations.

“One of the issues we have prioritized as the municipality is to increase police visibility and installation of CCTV cameras in our tourists attraction areas so that we can be able to identify wanted suspects and people who plan and commit crime in these areas,” said Kaunda. 

Kaunda says the deaths occurred as the city has been preparing for the festive season influx.

“This unfortunate incident occurred when the city is gearing itself to host thousands of visitors during the festive season. As the city we have developed a festive season safety plan to ensure that our residents and visitors are safe during the festive season and beyond,” said Kaunda. 

Meanwhile, Mohamed is being laid to rest on Tuesday evening in Shallcross.