Mozambique Disputes Death Toll After Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

The Government of Mozambique is coordinating the repatriation of nearly 1,000 citizens following a wave of xenophobic attacks across South Africa. Violence peaked over the weekend of May 29-31, 2026, particularly in Mossel Bay, where mobs torched approximately 55 shacks in the Asla Park informal settlement and forcibly removed foreign nationals.

Casualty reports vary significantly between the two nations. Mozambique's Minister of Health, Ussene Isse, stated that nine nationals died in total, including five killed during the attacks and four who died in vehicular accidents while fleeing. Conversely, the South African Police Service confirms only two Mozambican deaths and one South African teenager killed by stabbing, explicitly denying that five people were killed in the attacks.

South African authorities have arrested five suspects on charges of public violence and possession of stolen property. Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile stated that while the right to protest is respected, violence and intimidation will not be tolerated. The unrest coincides with a broader surge of anti-migrant protests in cities like Johannesburg and Durban, fueled by a June 30 expulsion ultimatum issued by the citizen-led group March and March.

In response to the violence, several nations have launched emergency measures. Mozambique has already repatriated over 300 citizens, with another 500 sheltered in the Western Cape. Similarly, Ghana has repatriated 300 citizens, and Nigeria and Malawi have launched emergency flight and voluntary repatriation programs to assist their nationals.