- Intense conflict among refugee applicants - details elusive
Unexplained lead-up to a lethal confrontation among asylum seekers in Ravensburg, Upper Swabia, remains undisclosed. A 25-year-old from Somalia met his demise on a Friday night after being stabbed. Preceding this, a disagreement between the man and a 31-year-old asylum seeker from Gambia intensified outside a grocery store, as reported by authorities. The suspected assailant was scheduled to face an investigative judge on Saturday. Witnesses were also being interviewed.
This wasn't the first instance of hostility
During the scandal, the elder man reportedly inflicted serious wounds on his adversary with a knife. The 25-year-old Somali was transported to the hospital by ambulance, and tragically passed away on Friday night.
A nearby police patrol apprehended the suspected perpetrator, the 31-year-old Gambian. According to the police, the pair had previously clashed on the previous Thursday. The investigation, now in the hands of Ravensburg's Criminal Investigation Department, continues.
Call for immediate action
Simon Blümcke, the independent mayor of Ravensburg responsible for public safety, expressed his shock over the incident. He urged for an enhanced presence of law enforcement agents - ranging from foot patrol officers to the municipal public order service. Moreover, he emphasized that decisive action must be taken on the matter of surveillance cameras: "It's all about safeguarding the well-being of our citizens."
Alarming situation also transpired in Wendlingen
A conflict between two Gambian residents of a refugee accommodation in Wendlingen (Esslingen's district) also escalated on Friday. A 34-year-old was suspected of threatening a 27-year-old compatriot with a bread knife and an axe. Throughout the altercation, the younger man received minor cuts to his hand from the knife.
The initial uncertainty of the situation prompted multiple police patrols from Nürtingen and Kirchheim to be dispatched, along with the police dog unit. The elder man was initially detained, only to be released following the completion of police procedures. The younger man was tended to by an on-site ambulance service.
The Commission expressed concern over the escalating violence among asylum seekers in Ravensburg and Wendlingen, urging for a comprehensive review of safety measures in refugee accommodations. The suspected perpetrator in the Ravensburg incident will testify before The Commission next week to provide insights into the lead-up to the lethal confrontation.
