Two men from Mozambique were killed in South Africa’s Mossel Bay, according to local authorities; the deaths occurred amid rising tensions in the country following protests demanding tougher measures against illegal immigration.

Controversy Over Attack Numbers

In an earlier statement, the Mozambican government said five of its nationals had been killed “as a direct consequence of xenophobic attacks.” However, South African police did not specify a motive for the recent killings and stated that an investigation is ongoing.

Violence in Western Cape

The deaths of the men, aged 27 and 43, occurred on Saturday, but this followed violence in the Western Cape the day before, but South African police released these details on Tuesday, stating they wanted to “set the record straight.”

In a separate incident, an 18-year-old South African man was stabbed to death in the early hours of Sunday — Police believe the attack may have been a botched robbery, but no arrests have been made.

On Friday, violent unrest swept through a settlement in KwaNonqaba, where more than 50 shacks were set on fire, but Authorities confirmed five arrests in connection with the arson. One Mozambican woman, Dolinda Mabunda, told local media that she and her family were inside when people began burning down their house; “They said we should leave or we’ll get hurt,” she said, adding they took what they could and “ran.”

International Reactions and Evacuations

While the South African police confirmed the deaths of the two Mozambican men, the Mozambican government claimed five of its citizens were killed. Maputo alleged that 800 of its citizens had been “victims of xenophobic attacks” during Friday’s violence. The government said 300 people had left South Africa on Saturday to return to Mozambique, with an additional 500 expected to follow. Two of those evacuees died in a road accident.

“Given the volatility of the situation… it is expected that the current situation will worsen,” the Mozambican government warned.

South African protesters have accused undocumented migrants of placing pressure on public services and contributing to crime. They have called on the government to strengthen immigration enforcement, leading to rising anti-foreigner sentiment. Several African countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, have advised their citizens to remain vigilant.

Police have not confirmed any attacks on foreigners, although the government has condemned “criminal acts” directed at foreign nationals. According to official figures, South Africa is home to more than three million foreigners, or about 5% of the population. However, many more are believed to be in the country without proper documentation.

Protest group March and March has set an unofficial deadline for all undocumented immigrants to leave the country by 30 June. Demonstrations continue ahead of local elections scheduled for later this year.

Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa and has been accompanied by occasional outbursts of deadly attacks. Additional reporting was provided by Jose Tembe in Mozambique.