South Africa unrest: Hundreds displaced as anti-migrant violence escalates on south coast
Violent attacks in Mossel Bay and Gansbaai have forced foreign nationals from Malawi and Mozambique to flee, with authorities burning shacks and mobs conducting door-to-door searches.
Hundreds of foreign nationals, primarily from Malawi and Mozambique, have been forced to flee their homes in South Africa following violent attacks by anti-migrant mobs. The unrest escalated over the weekend in towns including Mossel Bay and Gansbaai, where mobs went door-to-door, torched approximately 55 shacks in Mossel Bay, and chased residents. Victims have sought shelter in community halls and mosques, with local officials reporting that individuals were dragged from their homes and beaten.
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the death toll. South African police have confirmed two Mozambican deaths, though they did not explicitly link the fatalities to an anti-illegal migrant march held hours prior. In contrast, the Mozambique government stated that five of its citizens were killed as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks. Approximately 300 Mozambicans have already crossed back into their country, with further repatriations expected.
The violence follows an ultimatum issued on June 30 by an anti-illegal migrant group demanding undocumented migrants leave the country. This marked an escalation from weeks of mostly small protests, with fringe groups accusing undocumented foreign nationals of committing crimes and taking scarce jobs. Small bands of people have been reported brandishing whips, sticks, wooden clubs, and axes to enforce the deadline.
Local councillor Msa Nomatiti reported that more than 500 people fled their homes in Gansbaai on Monday, with small groups still seen leaving informal settlements by late Tuesday. Nomatiti alleged that some groups conducting door-to-door searches were accompanied by police. He noted that victims had lost passports due to beatings and being dragged from their houses, regardless of their legal status.
Emergency repatriation efforts are underway, with Ghana and Nigeria initiating flights to bring home their citizens. Ghana has already flown home 300 of its citizens, with hundreds more due to leave, while Nigeria has announced emergency flights. In the interim, displaced nationals such as Thomas Vincent Baloyi and Michael Markson described being chased like dogs despite having valid documentation, with some looting of belongings reported by Talibo Mbewe in Standford.
