Five Mozambican nationals have died in xenophobic attacks in South Africa’s coastal town of Mossel Bay, according to the Mozambican government.
The deaths mark the first fatalities officially linked to the wave of anti-migrant protests that have spread across parts of South Africa in recent weeks.
In a statement issued by the Mozambican government, authorities said seven Mozambican citizens had died during the unrest.
Five of the deaths resulted directly from xenophobic attacks, while two others died in a road accident as they travelled back to Mozambique.
“Regrettably, seven Mozambican citizens have died, five of them as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks and the other two as a result of a road accident,” the statement said.
The violence affected around 800 Mozambican nationals living in Mossel Bay.
The attacks forced about 300 Mozambicans to return home on Saturday using their own means.
Authorities have moved more than 500 others to a safe location in South Africa’s Western Cape Province.
The Mozambican government said it has started a repatriation process for those who wish to return home.
South African police confirmed they were investigating the deaths of two men at an informal settlement in Mossel Bay.
Police did not immediately disclose the victims’ identities or nationalities.
However, Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotze condemned the violence and expressed concern over the situation.
He said people had been killed, homes burned and families displaced during the attacks.
Mossel Bay has witnessed protests against undocumented migrants similar to demonstrations reported in Johannesburg and Durban.
South Africa has long attracted migrant workers from across Africa because of its relatively stronger economy.
However, the country has also experienced repeated outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence.
Many locals accuse undocumented migrants of taking jobs and contributing to crime, claims that have often fuelled tensions.
In 2008, anti-immigrant riots killed 62 people and displaced thousands. Similar outbreaks occurred again in 2015 and 2016.
The latest tensions have grown in recent months as political parties campaign ahead of local government elections scheduled for November.
A citizen-led group has called for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by June 30.
Reports have also emerged of groups checking the documents of foreign nationals and forcing migrant-owned businesses to shut down.
Several African countries have urged their citizens living in South Africa to remain vigilant.
Ghana recently evacuated about 300 of its citizens and plans to bring home more nationals.
Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have also advised their citizens to exercise caution.
The Mozambican government described the situation as volatile and warned that tensions could increase as the June 30 deadline approaches.
Authorities said they were working on additional measures to support Mozambican nationals who remain in South Africa.
The government also pledged to continue monitoring developments and assisting affected citizens.
