Mozambique Says Five Citizens Killed in ‘Xenophobic Attacks’ in South Africa

The government of Mozambique says five of its citizens were killed during what it described as “xenophobic attacks” in South Africa, amid escalating anti-immigrant unrest sweeping parts of the country.

According to a statement issued by Mozambique’s government late Monday, violence erupted in the coastal town of Mossel Bay in South Africa’s Western Cape province over the weekend. Officials said around 800 Mozambican nationals were caught up in the unrest, with hundreds now seeking repatriation back to Mozambique. (Reuters)

Mozambique stated that seven of its citizens died in total — five directly linked to the attacks and two in a road accident while attempting to return home. However, South African police have so far confirmed only two Mozambican deaths connected to violence in the informal settlement area of Asla Park near Mossel Bay. (Reuters)

Violence Linked to Anti-Immigrant Protests

The incidents are being linked to a growing wave of anti-immigrant demonstrations across South Africa, where some groups accuse undocumented migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.

Local authorities reported that dozens of informal settlement homes and shacks were burned during the unrest. Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotzé condemned the violence, saying families had been displaced and communities left traumatized. (The Guardian)

South African police also confirmed the death of an 18-year-old South African during separate violent incidents in the same area, although authorities said investigations remain ongoing and no arrests had yet been made. (Reuters)

Hundreds Returning to Mozambique

Mozambique’s government said approximately 300 Mozambican citizens had already returned home voluntarily over the weekend, while another 500 were awaiting organized repatriation from South Africa’s Western Cape region. (Al Jazeera)

The violence has also prompted other African nations to act. Last week, Ghana repatriated nearly 300 citizens from South Africa amid fears of escalating attacks on migrants. (Reuters)

President Cyril Ramaphosa Condemns Xenophobia

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobic violence and called for calm while reaffirming that immigration laws would continue to be enforced through legal channels.

South Africa, Africa’s most industrialized economy, has long attracted migrants from neighboring countries including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, recurring waves of xenophobic violence have periodically erupted over the past two decades, often during periods of economic hardship and high unemployment. (Wikipedia)

Analysts note that unemployment in South Africa remains above 30%, contributing to tensions in poorer communities where migrants are frequently blamed for economic struggles. Anti-immigrant groups have reportedly set a June 30 deadline demanding undocumented foreigners leave the country. (Reuters)

Regional Concern Growing

Human rights groups and regional observers have expressed concern that the violence could worsen if authorities fail to restore order quickly. Several African governments are monitoring the situation closely, particularly as migrant communities fear further attacks.

Mozambique warned in its statement that “a worsening of the current situation is expected” if tensions continue to escalate. (TimesLIVE)