Story perspectives

Xenophobic Violence Claims Seven Mozambican Lives, 300 Repatriated

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hundreds of Mozambican nationals are being sheltered and repatriated after Mossel Bay violence, with 300 already returned.
Police confirmed two Mozambican men, aged 27 and 43, were killed in Asla Park informal settlement.
Mozambique’s government reports five citizens died from xenophobic attacks and two in a road accident, totaling seven deaths.
Vigilante groups are checking migrants’ documents and forcing foreign-run businesses to close, though authorities say they lack official approval.

History

Historical Context

The 12 May 2008 xenophobic riots that began in Alexandra, Johannesburg, left 62 dead and led to about 1,400 arrests, prompting the African National Congress to pledge billions for reconciliation. Recurrent outbreaks, including today’s Mossel Bay checks on Mozambican nationals, echo that pattern, leading the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Mozambique’s government to demand stronger cross-border protection.

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Story summary

Hundreds of Mozambican nationals are being sheltered and repatriated after Mossel Bay violence, with 300 already returned.
Police confirmed two Mozambican men, aged 27 and 43, were killed in Asla Park informal settlement.
Mozambique’s government reports five citizens died from xenophobic attacks and two in a road accident, totaling seven deaths.
Vigilante groups are checking migrants’ documents and forcing foreign-run businesses to close, though authorities say they lack official approval.

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