Mozambique says five citizens killed in ‘xenophobic attacks’ in South Africa
A protest against illegal immigration in Durban on 20 May. The rise in anti-immigrant tensions has been building for months. Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen A protest against illegal immigration in Durban on 20 May. The rise in anti-immigrant tensions has been building for months. Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP/Getty Images Mozambique says five citizens killed in ‘xenophobic attacks’ in South Africa About 800 Mozambicans said to be caught up in violence in Mossel Bay as anti-immigration protests sweep country Five Mozambique nationals were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in South Africa at the weekend, the Mozambican government said – the first deaths officially linked to protests against illegal immigration sweeping the country. About 800 Mozambican nationals were caught up in violence that broke out in the southern coastal city of Mossel Bay on Friday, a government statement said. The violence prompted 300 Mozambicans to return to their country by their own means on Saturday, it said. “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. It said the remaining 500 people affected “have since been sheltered in a safe location in the Western Cape province, and the process of their repatriation to Mozambique is already under way”. South African police said on Sunday they were investigating the deaths of two men at an informal settlement in Mossel Bay, a port town about 230 miles (380km) east of Cape Town. They did not give details and it was also not immediately clear what nationalities the two men were. The area’s mayor, Dirk Kotze, voiced “deep concern and dismay at the current xenophobic attacks where people have been murdered, houses burned and families displaced”. South Africa has long been a destination for documented and undocumented African workers. It has had repeated waves of xenophobic violence over the past decades, with undocumented migrants accused of crime and of taking jobs from locals. In 2008, 62 people including 21 South Africans were killed in anti-immigrant riots and thousands were displaced. Further outbreaks followed in 2015 and 2016. The latest rise in anti-immigrant tensions has been building for months and comes as political parties seek support ahead of local government elections due in November. One citizen-led group has issued an ultimatum for illegal migrants to be expelled by 30 June and there have been reports of groups checking the documentation of foreign nationals and forcing small businesses run by non-South Africans to close. The action has no official backing and has been criticised by the authorities. With tensions building, Ghana flew out 300 of its citizens last week and plans to take home hundreds more. Last month, several hundred foreign nationals from countries
Its deeply saddening to hear about the loss of lives in South Africa. Lets hope for peace, understanding, and unity among all communities, no matter their origin.
Xenophobia? More like xenopopularity. These incidents show how South Africas policies on illegal immigration have gone from bad to worse. The loss of lives is a stark reminder of the dangers of hate and division. Lets hope for a more inclusive approach that respects everyones right to migrate.
Wow, what a tragedy. Cant believe people are letting hate win. Unity and understanding, anyone?
While the loss of lives is deeply regrettable, its crucial to address the root causes of xenophobia through dialogue, education, and inclusive policies. Lets work together for a future where everyone feels valued and respected.
Tragic loss. Lets stand against hate and promote unity. #Solidarity #ProgressiveChange
While tragic, its important to carefully consider the root causes of such incidents and examine whether existing policies are truly addressing the underlying issues.
Xenophobia is a toxic cycle. Instead of hate, lets focus on inclusive policies that promote unity and mutual respect.
While I understand the need for vigilance against hate, its important to remember that many immigrants contribute positively to our society. Lets focus on policies that promote integration and mutual respect instead of fear and division.