On Saturday, police in Mossel Bay, South Africa, confirmed the killing of two Mozambican nationals, aged 27 and 43. The South African police released the details on Tuesday, stating they were investigating the deaths and wanted to "set the record straight".
In contrast, the Mozambican government reported five of its citizens had been killed "as a direct consequence of xenophobic attacks" in an earlier statement. However, the police have not identified a motive and the investigation is ongoing.
South Africa has seen a surge in protests calling for stricter action against undocumented migrants. The unrest has included violent incidents, such as arson of more than 50 shacks in a settlement in KwaNonqaba and a stabbing of a South African 18‑year‑old late Sunday, possibly during a botched robbery. No arrests have been made in either case.
Authorities have highlighted that, while South Africa is home to more than three million foreigners – about 5% of the population – many are believed to be undocumented. In a separate incident, the police arrested five people related to the arson in KwaNonqaba.
Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Mozambique have all urged citizens to stay vigilant. Mozambique in particular warned that it has had to evacuate around 300 people back to its borders due to safety concerns, and that two travelers died in a road accident on their way back home.
Political pressure continues as the country approaches local elections. The protest group March and March has set an unofficial deadline for all undocumented immigrants to leave by 30 June. The broader debate touches on recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, often resulting in violent confrontations.
Find more on the situation in Africa here: The uniformed group targeting foreigners in South Africa and South Africa condemns 'fake videos' of alleged xenophobic attacks.
