South African Police Investigate Two Mozambican Deaths in Mossel Bay, Five Arrested for Arson
South African police are investigating the deaths of two Mozambican men, aged 27 and 43, in Mossel Bay. The Mozambican government initially claimed five of its nationals had been killed in "xenophobic attacks", a motive South African authorities have not confirmed, stating investigations are ongoing.
The killings on Saturday followed violent unrest in the Western Cape on Friday, where more than 50 shacks were set ablaze in KwaNonqaba. Five arrests have been made in connection with the arson. One Mozambican woman recounted fleeing her home as it was being burned, with perpetrators demanding they leave.
Mozambique maintains that 800 of its citizens were "victims of xenophobic attacks" during Friday's violence, with 300 having returned to Mozambique and another 500 expected to follow. Two individuals also died in a road accident during this period. Maputo has warned of a potential worsening situation given the "volatility".
While South African police confirmed the two Mozambican deaths, they also reported a separate incident where an 18-year-old South African man was stabbed to death on Sunday, possibly during a botched robbery. No arrests have been made in that case.
Anti-foreigner sentiment has been rising in South Africa, with protests calling for stricter action against undocumented migrants, who some accuse of straining public services and engaging in crime. Several African nations have advised their citizens to exercise vigilance, and Ghana recently evacuated hundreds of its nationals citing safety concerns.
Official figures indicate South Africa hosts over three million foreign nationals, though many more are believed to be undocumented. A protest group has set an unofficial deadline of 30 June for all undocumented immigrants to depart, as demonstrations persist ahead of upcoming local elections. Xenophobia has been a persistent issue in the country, leading to periodic outbreaks of deadly violence.
