Five Mozambicans Killed in South Africa Anti-Migrant Violence as Repatriation Begins

Email:online@newsofbahrain.com

Maputo, Mozambique : Mozambique has begun repatriating hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following a wave of anti-migrant violence that left several people dead and forced many others to flee their homes.

The Mozambican government said five of its nationals were killed in xenophobic attacks in the coastal town of Mossel Bay, while two others died in a road accident as they attempted to return home. South African police have so far confirmed the deaths of two Mozambican nationals and one South African teenager.

The unrest erupted amid growing protests against undocumented migrants in South Africa, with reports of homes being burned, families displaced and businesses run by foreign nationals targeted. Local authorities said dozens of informal dwellings were destroyed during the violence.

Mozambique said around 300 of its citizens had already returned home, while more than 500 others were being sheltered and prepared for repatriation. Many migrants reported losing their homes and belongings and said they no longer felt safe remaining in South Africa.

The latest violence comes as anti-immigrant sentiment grows in parts of South Africa ahead of local government elections later this year. Several African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, have taken steps to assist citizens living in the country, while others have urged their nationals to remain cautious.

South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with previous attacks leaving dozens dead and displacing thousands of people.

Pic Credit: AFP