Five Mozambicans killed in South Africa amid xenophobic attacks

The Mozambique government has confirmed that at least five Mozambicans were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa last weekend. This violence against black immigrants in South Africa is still ongoing.

These deaths are the first officially reported by Mozambique since the recent wave of xenophobic violence. Sadly, it seems there are more fatalities. In April, two Nigerians were reportedly killed by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.

Reports say that worries about xenophobic violence in South Africa are growing. This has caused diplomatic tensions among African countries, especially after videos showing hostility towards African expatriates went viral. The videos showed South Africans using sticks to chase and beat Black foreigners, telling them to leave.

The Mozambique government stated that around 800 Mozambicans were affected by the violence that erupted in Mossel Bay on Friday.

The statement said, “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 other countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, Mozambique is also working on repatriating its citizens. About 300 Mozambicans returned home on Saturday.

According to the statement, “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 started a job initiative to help them find work. Nigeria has not yet repatriated any citizens but announced plans last month.

Ghana also advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to South Africa. They mentioned that Black foreigners are still facing physical attacks and harassment. Ghana has asked the African Union to include the xenophobic attacks in the agenda for the upcoming summit.

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

As the crisis continues, the Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians not to carry out any revenge attacks.

The police 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 police assured the public that the government is “actively engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation.”

They emphasized that “there is no cause for alarm” and that revenge attacks against any South African in Nigeria are not allowed.