On Wednesday (1), President Daniel Chapo acknowledged the escalation of xenophobia in South Africa following violent incidents involving Mozambican citizens and assured that the logistical arrangements are in place for the repatriation and reception of the victims, Lusa reported.
“We are welcoming our compatriots; we have already rented machimbombos [passenger buses] to transport the Mozambicans,” the head of state assured during a briefing on his visit to Cabo Delgado province in the north of the country.
According to Chapo, the situation in South Africa, marked by recurring episodes of xenophobia, “is getting worse,” prompting the government to step up assistance to Mozambicans returning home by providing not only transportation but also food.
“They arrive at the Ressano Garcia border crossing, and upon arrival they receive food assistance—that is, a hot meal—and from there, they are screened,” said the President.
Chapo also highlighted the case of 194 Mozambicans—including men, women, and children—who lost their homes in the Mamelodi region of Pretoria following attacks by anti-immigration protesters, which occurred amid growing pressure against foreigners.
“The police took this group of Mozambicans to the Mozambican High Commission in Pretoria (…), which took them in and provided them with basic food,” he said, noting that they returned to the country in the early hours of Wednesday.
Mozambique has approximately 300,000 citizens residing in South Africa. The Presidency stated in a press release that “thousands” have already returned to the country due to the violence.
At least 283 Mozambicans were assaulted, had their homes set on fire, and their property vandalized during the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in neighboring South Africa, the government reported, as it works to provide assistance and facilitate repatriation.
“A total of 283 Mozambican citizens were affected by the acts of violence and intimidation recorded during the anti-immigrant demonstrations that took place on Tuesday, June 30, in various provinces of the Republic of South Africa,” reads a statement from the Mozambican Information Office (Gabinfo).
According to the agency, of this total, 194 Mozambicans in the Mamelodi region lost their homes, which were set on fire by protesters; in KwaZulu-Natal province, another 38 Mozambicans were assaulted and forced to flee their homes and are now under the protection of local police, with the repatriation process also underway.
“In Limpopo Province, 51 Mozambican citizens sought shelter at a community disaster center following attacks and acts of intimidation, and they are also being assisted with regard to aid and their return to the country,” the document states.
According to Gabinfo, Mozambique’s diplomatic and consular missions in South Africa are monitoring the situation and continue to provide consular assistance and protection to Mozambican citizens affected by the xenophobic attacks in that country.
South African anti-immigration protesters have issued an ultimatum, giving all foreigners until Tuesday, June 30, to leave the country, and the South African government has announced in recent days restrictions on immigration policies and increased security measures.
Previously, the Mozambican government acknowledged challenges regarding the repatriation and reintegration of its citizens who were victims of xenophobia in neighboring South Africa, at a time when nine Mozambicans had already been killed and 738 repatriated due to the attacks.
Mozambique has approximately 300,000 citizens residing in South Africa. The Presidency stated in a press release that “thousands” have already returned to the country due to the violence.
