South African police are investigating the killings of two Mozambican men in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, but have not confirmed a motive. The men, aged 27 and 43, were killed on Saturday.
The deaths came a day after unrest in KwaNonqaba where more than 50 shacks were burned. Five people have been arrested for arson. Police also reported an 18-year-old South African man was stabbed to death early Sunday in a suspected robbery.
Mozambique’s government gave a different account. It said five of its nationals were killed “as a direct consequence of xenophobic attacks” during Friday’s violence. Maputo added that 800 citizens were affected, 300 had returned home by Saturday, and 500 more were set to leave. Two died in a road accident while leaving. The government warned the situation could worsen.
Anti-migrant protests have grown across South Africa in recent weeks. Protesters claim undocumented migrants strain public services and contribute to crime, and have called for stricter immigration enforcement. Group “March and March” set 30 June as an unofficial deadline for undocumented people to leave.
Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Ghana have urged citizens in South Africa to stay alert. Ghana has already evacuated hundreds of nationals.
Police said they released details to “set the record straight” and have not confirmed attacks targeting foreigners. The government condemned “criminal acts” against foreign nationals.
South Africa hosts over 3 million foreign nationals, about 5% of the population, with many more believed to be undocumented. Xenophobic violence has flared sporadically in the country for years.
