Hundreds Flee as Xenophobic Attacks on Foreigners Escalate in South Africa

Hundreds Flee as Xenophobic Attacks on Foreigners Escalate in South Africa

Hundreds of foreign nationals have been forced to flee their homes in South Africa‘s Western Cape Province following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with migrants seeking shelter in community halls, schools and religious centres amid growing fears for their safety.

The violence, which initially erupted in the coastal town of Mossel Bay before spreading to nearby communities including Gansbaai, Kleinmond and Stanford, has displaced hundreds of mainly Mozambican and Malawian nationals. Victims say groups of locals went door-to-door demanding that foreigners leave the country, regardless of whether they possessed legal immigration documents.

Many of those affected told international news agency AFP that they fled their homes over the weekend and spent nights hiding in mountains, forests and bushes before reaching temporary shelters established by local authorities and humanitarian organisations.

One of the displaced migrants, Mozambican national Thomas Vincent Baloyi, said he was forced to abandon his home despite presenting valid residency documents. Baloyi, who has lived in South Africa for nearly 16 years, said he and other foreigners were told they no longer belonged in the country.

The latest unrest follows weeks of anti-immigration protests by groups campaigning against undocumented migrants. Some of the organisations have reportedly issued a June 30 deadline for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa, a move that has heightened tensions in migrant communities.

The situation turned violent in Mossel Bay, where dozens of informal settlement structures were set ablaze during anti-foreigner demonstrations. According to South African authorities, at least two Mozambican nationals were killed during incidents linked to the protests.

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However, the Mozambican government has claimed that five of its citizens died as a result of the attacks, while two others lost their lives in a road accident while attempting to return home. South African police have disputed parts of the claim, maintaining that investigations are still ongoing.

The killings are among the first fatalities linked to the latest wave of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, which have been driven by accusations that undocumented foreigners are responsible for crime and are taking jobs and resources from local communities.

Local officials said more than 500 people fled their homes in some affected areas as the violence spread. In Gansbaai and Kleinmond, community centres, schools and mosques have been converted into emergency shelters, with volunteers providing food, clothing and basic necessities to displaced families.

Councillor Msa Nomatiti alleged that some groups involved in searching for foreign nationals moved from house to house, forcing migrants to leave. He said both documented and undocumented foreigners were targeted during the attacks.

Reports from affected communities indicate that some migrants lost personal belongings, passports and official documents while fleeing the violence. Government officials have since been deployed to assist with documentation and facilitate voluntary repatriation for those wishing to return to their home countries.

The crisis has already triggered a regional response. Mozambique said hundreds of its citizens have crossed back into the country, while Ghana has repatriated hundreds of its nationals. Nigeria has also announced plans to assist citizens seeking to leave affected areas.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde condemned the attacks, insisting that frustrations over immigration cannot justify violence, intimidation or vigilantism. He called for those responsible for the killings, arson and destruction of property to be brought to justice.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has also denounced the attacks, warning against xenophobia and reaffirming his government’s commitment to addressing immigration concerns through lawful and constitutional means.

The latest violence has renewed concerns about xenophobia in South Africa, a country that has witnessed repeated outbreaks of anti-foreigner attacks over the past two decades. Human rights organisations have warned that inflammatory rhetoric against migrants risks fuelling further violence and deepening social divisions.

As authorities work to restore calm, hundreds of displaced migrants remain uncertain about their future, with many saying they fear returning to their homes despite increased security measures.

Hundreds Flee as Xenophobic Attacks on Foreigners Escalate in South Africa