Five Mozambican citizens were killed in what Mozambique has described as xenophobic attacks in South Africa, prompting a government-led repatriation effort and intensifying concerns over a wave of anti-immigration protests that have spread across several provinces.
In a statement released through its government communication office, Mozambique said seven of its nationals died over the weekend, five allegedly in violence linked to anti-foreigner unrest in Mossel Bay, while two others died in a road accident while attempting to return home. More than 800 Mozambicans were reportedly affected, with hundreds fleeing the area as authorities moved to evacuate and repatriate displaced citizens.
"Regrettably, seven Mozambican citizens have died, five of them as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks and the other two as a result of a road accident, when they were travelling in a private vehicle on their way back to Mozambique," the statement said.
The Mozambican government said that approximately 800 Mozambicans were caught up in the violence, prompting hundreds to flee. While about 300 returned to Mozambique on their own, more than 500 others were moved to temporary places of safety as repatriation efforts got underway.
The claims come amid escalating anti-immigration protests organised by groups including Operation Dudula and March and March, which have staged demonstrations in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. Protesters have accused the government of failing to address illegal immigration, while critics warn that the campaign is increasingly spilling into vigilantism, intimidation and violence.
South African police have confirmed they are investigating the deaths of two men in an informal settlement in Mossel Bay where anti-immigrant protests were reported. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities or nationalities of the deceased.
Mossel Bay Executive Mayor Dirk Kotze has meanwhile expressed concern over the situation, describing it as a period in which "people have been murdered, houses burned and families displaced".
The latest developments come as concerns grow over a June 30 deadline circulated by some anti-immigration groups, demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa. Political analyst Zweli Ndevu previously warned that tensions could intensify as the deadline approaches.
"We'll see this escalating as it grows closer to the deadline that they've set themselves, which is the June 30," he said.
The climate of hostility has also raised concerns about South Africans being caught in the crossfire. In a recent incident that sparked national debate, a Venda-speaking security officer was allegedly questioned about his nationality because he could not speak isiZulu fluently.
Social commentator Mukhethwa Dzhugudzha warned that the issue was no longer limited to immigration.
"This is how Afrophobia mutates into tribalism. Xenophobia, Afrophobia and tribalism are all cousins."
The Star