South African Authorities Probe Fatal Shooting of Mozambican Nationals

South African law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the deaths of two men from Mozambique, who were killed in Mossel Bay. While the Mozambican government initially reported that five of its citizens had died as a direct result of xenophobic violence, local police have not yet disclosed a motive, with the inquiry still underway.

In a statement released on Tuesday, South African police aimed to "set the record straight" regarding the incident. The victims, identified as 27- and 43-year-old men, died on Saturday, following a day of unrest in the Western Cape province.

Tensions have escalated significantly in recent weeks, driven by protests demanding stricter measures against illegal immigration. These demonstrations have sparked violence against Africans, though South African authorities have not officially confirmed attacks targeting foreigners. The government has condemned "criminal acts" against foreign nationals, but police have not verified specific xenophobic motives in the recent killings.

The Mossel Bay incident occurred amidst broader unrest. On Friday, violent disturbances erupted in the KwaNonqaba settlement, where over 50 shacks were burned down. Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the arson. Additionally, police reported a separate homicide early Sunday morning, in which an 18-year-old South African man was stabbed to death during a suspected botched robbery; no arrests have been made in that case.

Diplomatic tensions have risen as Maputo claimed that 800 of its nationals were victims of xenophobic attacks during the Friday violence. The Mozambican government stated that 300 citizens returned home on Saturday, with the remaining 500 expected to follow. Two Mozambicans also died in a road accident.

South African protesters argue that undocumented migrants strain public services and contribute to crime, urging the government to tighten immigration enforcement. This sentiment has led to heightened anti-foreigner feelings, prompting several African nations to issue warnings. Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have advised their citizens to exercise caution, while Ghana recently evacuated hundreds of its nationals due to safety concerns.

Official statistics indicate that South Africa hosts over three million foreigners, representing approximately 5% of the population, though it is widely believed that many more reside in the country without documentation. The protest group March and March has established an unofficial deadline of June 30 for all undocumented immigrants to leave, as demonstrations continue in the lead-up to local elections later this year. Xenophobia remains a persistent issue in the region, often punctuated by deadly outbreaks of violence.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-02 14:09:19 UTC