Full Breakdown
Surge in Xenophobic Violence Threatens African Migrants in South Africa
6/4/2026, 10:46:55 PM
Violence in the Western Cape
In early June 2026, anti-immigrant mobs moved through Kleinmond, Mossel Bay and towns, going door-to-door with knives and sticks. Shacks were torched, two men assaulted, and dozens of migrants sought shelter in a Kleinmond town hall.
Background and Political Context
South Africa has seen xenophobic spikes in 2008, 2015 and 2021. The flare-up coincides with parties courting votes ahead of November’s local elections, reviving claims that migrants worsen unemployment and crime.
Key Figures, Groups, and Official Responses
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks, urged calm and pledged tighter workplace inspections and border checks. Mozambique said repatriation is underway; Malawi will assist citizens who request returns. Mayor Dirk Kotze voiced concern. Police refuted the claim that five Mozambicans died, confirming two deaths. Operation Dudula set a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave.
Data on Casualties and Displacement
Mozambique reports five deaths in attacks (seven total with two road accidents); South African police confirm two fatalities. Some 800 Mozambican nationals were caught up in Mossel Bay, 300 returned home, and over 500 remain sheltered in the Western Cape. About 100 immigrants, mainly from Mozambique and Malawi, are in Kleinmond town hall. Anti-immigrant groups claim over 3 million undocumented migrants in South Africa, a figure unverified.
Eyewitness Accounts
Lado Amido said people knocked on his door, entered his home and took his belongings. Michael Markson recalled his landlord warning him to evacuate for safety. Dolinda Mabunda said her house was set on fire while she was inside, and Silvino Chauque said he would return home because he no longer felt safe.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The death toll is disputed: Mozambique cites five attack-related deaths, police confirm two. The nationalities of two men killed in Asla Park remain unknown, and numbers of undocumented migrants are unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Mozambique Government Media Office
- “On the 31st, people came to my house, knocked on the door, and then took all my belongings,” — Lado Amido, Mozambican immigrant, Kleinmond
- “We were still inside when people started burning down our house,” — Dolinda Mabunda, Mozambican national, Mossel Bay
- “I will go back (home) because we are not safe,” — Silvino Chauque, migrant, SABC interview
Outlook
Repatriation for Mozambican and Malawian nationals proceeds, with Mozambique arranging transport for over 500 sheltered people. South Africa will intensify immigration inspections before the November elections and monitor June 30 deadline and legal action against vigilante groups.
