Five Mozambican citizens were killed in what Mozambique has described as xenophobic attacks in South Africa, prompting a government-led repatriation effort and intensifying concerns over a wave of anti-immigration protests that have spread across several provinces.
In a statement released through its government communication office, Mozambique said seven of its nationals died over the weekend, five allegedly in violence linked to anti-foreigner unrest in Mossel Bay, while two others died in a road accident while attempting to return home. More than 800 Mozambicans were reportedly affected, with hundreds fleeing the area as authorities moved to evacuate and repatriate displaced citizens.
"Regrettably, seven Mozambican citizens have died, five of them as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks and the other two as a result of a road accident, when they were travelling in a private vehicle on their way back to Mozambique," the statement said.
The Mozambican government said that approximately 800 Mozambicans were caught up in the violence, prompting hundreds to flee. While about 300 returned to Mozambique on their own, more than 500 others were moved to temporary places of safety as repatriation efforts got underway.
