Mozambique Reports Five Citizens Killed in South Africa Violence

The Mozambican government said five of its nationals were killed in attacks in the South African coastal city of Mossel Bay over the weekend. The statement said the deaths were the first officially linked to protests against illegal immigration. About 800 Mozambicans were caught up in the violence that began on Friday.

The government said 300 Mozambicans returned home on their own on Saturday. It added that 500 others have been sheltered in the Western Cape province and repatriation is underway. South African police said they are investigating the deaths of two men at an informal settlement in Mossel Bay. The local mayor expressed concern over the attacks, burned houses, and displaced families.

Africa has experienced repeated waves of violence targeting foreign nationals in 2008, 2015, and 2016. The current tensions have built for months ahead of local elections scheduled for November. Citizen groups have set a June 30 deadline for the expulsion of undocumented migrants and have checked documents at some businesses.

Ghana flew out 300 of its citizens last week, and several other African governments have advised their nationals to exercise caution. The Mozambican statement said the situation remains volatile and is expected to worsen before the June 30 deadline.