JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Foreign nationals in South Africa are seeking shelter in community centres and leaving some coastal settlements after a weekend of deadly anti-immigrant violence in the Western Cape.
The unrest erupted in Mossel Bay after anti-immigrant protests turned violent, forcing migrants to flee homes and informal settlements with their belongings. Africanews reported that foreign nationals were seeking protection in community centres, while others were preparing to leave the country.
Mozambique said five of its citizens were killed in what it described as xenophobic attacks over the weekend. South African police confirmed that two Mozambican men were found dead with assault injuries, while a South African teenager died from stab wounds in a separate incident. Police said around 55 shacks were also burned in the violence.
No arrests had been announced immediately, but police said they remained on high alert in the area. The violence has deepened fear among migrant communities, many of whom say they no longer feel safe in neighbourhoods where they work, trade or rent rooms.
The attacks come amid a broader surge in anti-immigrant sentiment across South Africa. Groups campaigning against undocumented migrants have staged protests in several cities and have issued a June 30 deadline for foreign nationals without papers to leave. Human Rights Watch warned last month that vigilante groups had carried out new waves of xenophobic attacks against African and Asian foreign nationals, with what it described as an insufficient response from police and authorities.
South Africa’s unemployment rate remains above 30 percent, and foreign nationals are often blamed by some communities for joblessness, crime and pressure on public services. Migrant-rights groups say those claims scapegoat foreigners for deeper economic and governance failures.
The violence has already triggered diplomatic action. Mozambique said about 300 of its citizens returned home on Saturday, with hundreds more expected to be repatriated. Ghana also recently evacuated citizens from South Africa after earlier attacks, while other African governments have warned their nationals to remain cautious and avoid protest hotspots.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobia while also promising stronger enforcement against illegal immigration. South African officials say violence and vigilantism will not be tolerated, but migrant communities say they need visible protection, arrests and safe relocation support.
For now, many foreign nationals are relying on churches, community centres and informal networks for safety. The weekend’s violence has renewed concern that, without firm intervention, South Africa’s recurring xenophobic attacks could spread again.
