According AFP the Mozambican government says five of its citizens were killed in what it has described as xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay over the weekend, marking the first deaths officially linked to a wave of anti-migrant protests that have spread across parts of South Africa.
In a statement issued by the government's press office, authorities said around 800 Mozambican nationals were affected by the violence that erupted in the Western Cape coastal town on Friday.
According to the statement, a total of seven Mozambican citizens lost their lives during the unrest. Five were allegedly killed in xenophobic attacks, while two others died in a road accident while travelling back to Mozambique in a private vehicle.
The violence prompted approximately 300 Mozambican nationals to return home voluntarily on Saturday. Mozambican authorities said the remaining group of more than 500 people has been accommodated in a safe location in the Western Cape while arrangements for their repatriation continue.
"The process of their repatriation to Mozambique is already underway," the government said.
The unrest in Mossel Bay comes amid growing anti-illegal immigration protests in several parts of South Africa, including Johannesburg and Durban, where communities have voiced concerns about undocumented migrants.
South African police confirmed that they are investigating the deaths of two men at an informal settlement in Mossel Bay, where reports of xenophobic violence emerged over the weekend. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities or nationalities of the deceased.
Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotze expressed concern over the violence, condemning incidents in which people were reportedly killed, homes set alight and families displaced.
South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence over the past two decades. Migrants have often been accused by some residents of contributing to crime and taking employment opportunities from local communities.
The most deadly outbreak occurred in 2008 when 62 people were killed and thousands displaced during widespread anti-immigrant riots. Further incidents were recorded in 2015 and 2016.
The latest tensions have intensified ahead of the country's local government elections scheduled for November. Several groups have called for the removal of undocumented migrants, while reports have emerged of individuals demanding identification documents from foreign nationals and forcing migrant-owned businesses to close.
Government authorities have distanced themselves from these actions and have condemned any unlawful conduct targeting foreign nationals.
The situation has also prompted concern among several African governments. Ghana recently repatriated hundreds of its citizens from South Africa, while countries including Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have advised their nationals living in the country to remain vigilant.
Mozambique has warned that the situation remains volatile and could deteriorate further as anti-migrant sentiment continues to grow. The government says it is working on additional measures to support Mozambican citizens who remain in South Africa.
The South African authorities have urged communities to remain calm and have reiterated that all incidents of violence and intimidation will be investigated.