Five Mozambicans Killed in Attacks in South Africa

The Mozambique government has reported that at least five Mozambicans were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa last weekend. This violence against black immigrants in South Africa continues to be a serious issue.

These are the first confirmed deaths from Mozambique since the latest wave of xenophobic attacks began. This follows earlier reports of two Nigerians who were beaten to death by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Port Elizabeth back in April.

Concerns about the violence have been growing. This situation has also caused diplomatic tensions among African nations. Videos showing hostility towards African immigrants have spread online. In these clips, some South Africans can be seen with sticks, chasing and attacking Black foreigners while telling them to leave.

The Mozambique government stated that about 800 Mozambicans were impacted by the recent violence that started in Mossel Bay on Friday. The statement read, “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.”

Like Ghana and Nigeria, Mozambique's government has started repatriation efforts. Around 300 Mozambicans returned home on Saturday. The statement added, “The remaining just over 500 have since been sheltered in a safe location in the Western Cape Province, and as of today, 1 June, the process of their repatriation to Mozambique is already underway.”

Ghana repatriated some of its citizens last week and has started a job initiative for those returning home. Nigeria has not yet brought back any of its citizens but announced plans for repatriation last month.

Ghana also advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to South Africa. They stated that black foreigners continue to face violence and harassment in certain areas. The country has contacted the African Union to include the xenophobic attacks in discussions at the upcoming summit.

Last month, Nigeria called in the South African High Commissioner in Abuja. They demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly killed by South African security forces. Kenya has also warned its citizens to be careful and avoid areas known for hostility towards African immigrants.

As the situation continues, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned Nigerians against carrying out reprisal attacks. They said, “Reprisal attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct that threatens public peace and national security is unlawful and will not be tolerated.”

The NPF assured that the government is “actively engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation.” They also stated, “There is no cause for alarm” and made it clear that reprisals against any South African in Nigeria are not permitted.