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Seven Mozambicans Killed, Five Arrested After Mossel Bay Arson

6/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Seven Mozambican citizens, including five migrants, were killed in recent Mossel Bay violence.
Police arrested five suspects after arson destroyed about 55 shacks, prompting mayor Dirk Kotze's concern.
President Cyril Ramaphosa urged parliament to curb illegal immigration while condemning violence, xenophobia and vigilantism.
Mozambique reported 300 returnees and over 500 nationals still sheltered in the Western Cape awaiting repatriation.

History

Historical Context

The 12 May 2008 xenophobic riots that began in Alexandra, Gauteng, left 62 migrants dead and displaced over 100,000 people. Decades later, on 2 June 2026, seven Mozambican nationals were killed in Mossel Bay, prompting Mayor Dirk Kotze and President Cyril Ramaphosa to call for tighter immigration controls, echoing South Africa’s recurring anti-immigrant violence.

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Story summary

Seven Mozambican citizens, including five migrants, were killed in recent Mossel Bay violence.
Police arrested five suspects after arson destroyed about 55 shacks, prompting mayor Dirk Kotze's concern.
President Cyril Ramaphosa urged parliament to curb illegal immigration while condemning violence, xenophobia and vigilantism.
Mozambique reported 300 returnees and over 500 nationals still sheltered in the Western Cape awaiting repatriation.

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