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.

READ ALSO:

• Third Toxic Odour Incident Hits Ijebu-Ode in 3 Months as Ogun Traces Source to Methane Leak
• Four NYSC Members, Soldier, Passenger Killed in Adamawa Road Crash
• Major Blow to ISWAP as Troops Neutralise Over 50 Terrorists in North-East

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

 Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Girlfriend’s Unconscious Sister

AMOUTI, KwaZulu-Natal – A man has been arrested in the Amouti area of KwaZulu-Natal for allegedly sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s sister, who was found unconscious and unable to consent, according to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA).

The woman reportedly discovered her sister unclothed and being sexually assaulted by the suspect when she entered the residence. The victim was intoxicated at the time and reportedly unaware of the ongoing abuse, authorities said.

According to reports, RUSA responded to the residence in Amouti, KZN, where they were presented with photographic evidence taken by the victim’s sister. The images showed a semi-unclothed woman on a bed. The sister explained that she had discovered her sibling incapacitated, with the suspect forcing himself on her.

READ ALSO:

• Two Bodies Recovered as Car Plunges Into River Along Ibadan’s Amuloko Road
• Iran to US: No Nuclear Deal Without Guarantee of Our Rights
• Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerians

When Reaction Officers arrested the man, he indicated that the woman’s undergarments were hidden under the bed. The suspect, identified as a South African national, did not deny the sexual assault, according to RUSA statements.

The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding sexual violence in South Africa, which continues to report high rates of gender-based violence and sexual offenses.

The suspect is expected to appear before a local magistrate’s court, where formal charges will be read.

 Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Girlfriend’s Unconscious Sister

Ex-AfDB Chief Adesina Chairs Botswana Fund, Joins Jumia Board

Former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has continued his ascent on the global development and corporate stage following his appointment as Chairperson of Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, a landmark initiative designed to transform the country’s diamond wealth into long-term economic prosperity and diversification.

The appointment, jointly announced by the Government of Botswana and De Beers Group, signals a major new phase in Adesina’s post-AfDB career after completing his second term as AfDB President in September 2025. He is expected to formally assume office on June 15, 2026.

The Diamonds for Development Fund was established during tough negotiations between Botswana and De Beers which concluded in 2025 to extend diamond mining licences through to 2054 for their 50:50 mining joint venture, Debswana. The fund is designed to serve as a strategic vehicle for channeling Botswana’s diamond revenues into industrial development, innovation, job creation, and broader citizen participation in the mining value chain.

Under the arrangement, De Beers has committed to an upfront investment of BWP 1 billion ($74.4 million) in the fund, as well as annual contributions from its dividends from Debswana, based on the latter’s performance. The fund is currently in the process of finalising the appointment of independent directors to its board as the vital next step in making it operational.

The initiative builds on a broader cooperation framework between Botswana and De Beers Group, which also includes investments in a new diamond jewellery manufacturing facility, the establishment of a De Beers Institute of Diamonds grading laboratory, a diamond vocational training institute, and joint marketing initiatives to boost global diamond demand.

Speaking on the appointment, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, described Adesina as a “reformer with a proven record of delivering transformative development outcomes”, adding that his leadership would help ensure the fund achieves its long-term national objectives.

“We are proud and honoured to have Dr Akinwumi Adesina join the Diamonds for Development Fund as Chairperson,” Kenewendo said. “His appointment solidifies the position of the Government of the Republic of Botswana to maximise the value of Botswana diamonds as an anchor for economic transformation, diversification, innovation, beneficiation and citizen participation in the diamond value chain. We draw inspiration from Dr Adesina’s achievements as an internationally accomplished reformer of strategic sectors and look forward to his impactful influence in the delivery of the fund’s bold mandate.”

Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group, Al Cook, also said Adesina’s governance experience, international networks, and development track record made him uniquely suited to steer the initiative.

READ ALSO:

• Imo: Family Alleges Police Neglect as Gunmen Abduct Inspector on Official Duty
• Ebola: FG Rolls Out New Airport Screening Measures, Places 10 States on High Alert
• Gunmen Kill Eight, Burn Six Houses in Imo Community Attack

“When we set up the groundbreaking Diamonds for Development Fund with the Botswana Government, we knew that we would need an extraordinary leader to achieve our ambition of economic diversification and job creation,” Cook said. “In Dr Adesina, I am confident we have found just that person. His track record in African development is outstanding, and his global network, commitment to strong governance and understanding of the Fund’s priorities make him the right chair to shape the Fund’s support for Botswana’s long-term economic objectives. He is a man characterised by deep integrity and outstanding delivery.”

Reacting to the appointment, Adesina said he was honoured to lead what he described as a visionary effort to ensure that natural resource wealth translates directly into improved livelihoods for citizens.

“I am greatly honoured to be appointed the chairman of the board of directors of the Diamonds for Development Fund by the Government of Botswana and De Beers Group,” he said. “The Diamonds for Development Fund represents a bold and visionary initiative to ensure that the people of Botswana benefit directly from the wealth created by diamonds. It is not only diamonds that should shine, the lives of the people of Botswana must also shine. The Fund’s success will set a global benchmark for how natural resource wealth can create enduring value for generations to come.”

He added that he looks forward to working closely with the government of Botswana and De Beers to ensure the fund contributes towards a more prosperous future for the people of Botswana.

Between 2015 and 2025, Adesina oversaw a major expansion of the AfDB’s capital base from $93billionto$318 billion —the highest level in the institution’s history. He launched several flagship initiatives, including the Africa Investment Forum, which has mobilised more than $225 billion in investment interest since its launch in 2018. He also led the implementation of the High 5 development agenda—focusing on lighting and powering Africa, feeding Africa, industrialising Africa, integrating Africa, and improving the quality of life for Africans—which the bank says has improved the lives of more than 565 million Africans.

Additionally, Adesina played a central role in advancing Mission 300, a partnership with the World Bank Group aimed at providing electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. Before his tenure at the AfDB, he served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, where he introduced the country’s electronic fertiliser voucher programme, which reached millions of smallholder farmers.

The appointment comes against the backdrop of Botswana’s intensified efforts to secure greater benefits from its decades-long partnership with De Beers. In recent years, Botswana has demanded the return of sightholder sales to Gaborone from London, as well as investments in labs, training centres, and manufacturing facilities. The negotiations that concluded in 2025 also resulted in a new 10-year sales and marketing agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production, with a potential five-year extension. Under the deal, the share of Debswana’s production sold by Botswana’s Okavango Diamond Company will increase from 30% currently to 50% by 2035-40, with De Beers handling the remainder.

READ ALSO:

• Nigeria Beat Jamaica To Clinch Fourth Unity Cup Crown In London
• Trump Will Only Accept Iran Deal That ‘Satisfies His Red Lines’
• ‘I Didn’t Buy ADC Form to Be VP,’ Amaechi Dismisses Speculation

Botswana, the world’s leading diamond producer by value, has long relied on the precious stone industry as a cornerstone of its economy. The new fund is expected to support efforts to diversify growth beyond mining while creating opportunities for innovation, local enterprise development, and broader participation in the diamond value chain. For De Beers, the initiative forms part of a wider effort to strengthen the developmental impact of the diamond industry in Botswana, one of its most important producing countries.

In a related development highlighting his expanding global influence, Adesina has also been appointed to the Supervisory Board of Jumia Technologies, the pan-African e-commerce company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Shareholders approved the appointment during Jumia’s Annual General Meeting held on May 15, 2026, alongside other board changes aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating the company’s push toward profitability. Alongside Adesina, shareholders also elected Hassanein Hiridjee, Chief Executive Officer of Axian Group, and Benjamin Faw, a US-based investor and business adviser, to the board. Meanwhile, current Chairman Jonathan Klein, co-founder and former CEO of Getty Images, and Deputy Chair Anne Ooga Eriksson were re-elected.

Adesina joins the board at a critical time as Jumia intensifies efforts to achieve adjusted EBITDA breakeven and positive cash flow by the fourth quarter of 2026, with a broader goal of full-year profitability by 2027.

The company reported strong early 2026 performance, including a 31% increase in Gross Merchandise Volume to $212.2millionanda\ast \ast 39$50.6 million, reflecting improved efficiency and a shift toward a marketplace-driven model.

Chairman Jonathan Klein said the new board composition brings together “deep African market knowledge, governance strength, and financial discipline” needed to guide the company’s next growth phase.

Adesina, reacting to his appointment, said Africa’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly and presents significant opportunities for innovation and investment, noting that Jumia has played a pioneering role in shaping the continent’s e-commerce ecosystem. Industry observers say his appointment is expected to boost investor confidence, given his extensive experience in development finance, agricultural transformation, and large-scale institutional reform during his decade-long leadership at the AfDB.

With both appointments, Adesina’s influence continues to extend across public development finance and private sector innovation, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s most prominent development leaders on the global stage. His post-AfDB career is rapidly taking shape, with roles spanning natural resource governance, digital commerce, and sustainable development—sectors that will define Africa’s economic trajectory for decades to come.

Industry observers note that his ability to command such prominent positions so soon after leaving the AfDB reflects not only his personal reputation but also the growing recognition of African expertise in global governance and corporate leadership. The Diamonds for Development Fund, in particular, represents a test case for whether resource-rich African nations can successfully convert mineral wealth into lasting, diversified prosperity—a challenge that has eluded many countries across the continent.

Ex-AfDB Chief Adesina Chairs Botswana Fund, Joins Jumia Board