Foreign nationals flee xenophobic violence in South Africa, seek refuge in community halls

Residents in areas like Gansbaai, southeast of Cape Town, have reportedly gone door-to-door, ordering foreigners to leave the country. Thomas Vincent Baloyi, a Mozambican national who has lived in South Africa for 16 years, recounted being told to leave despite having legal documentation. Many fled their homes over the weekend, spending nights in mountains and bushes before reaching community centers.

The current unrest follows weeks of anti-foreigner protests across South Africa, which escalated into violence, particularly in Mossel Bay, where over 50 homes were burned. The South African police confirmed that two Mozambican nationals were killed in incidents related to these anti-foreigner demonstrations. The Mozambican government, however, claims five deaths directly linked to xenophobic attacks.

General Tebello Mosikili, chairperson of Pretoria's security coordination unit, condemned the violence, stating that no resentment justifies murder, assault, intimidation, arson, looting, or xenophobic attacks. She emphasized that no group would be allowed to target individuals based on nationality. In the wake of the violence, approximately 300 Mozambicans have returned home, while Ghana has repatriated 300 of its citizens, with more expected to leave.

Nigeria has also announce