Hundreds of foreign nationals have been displaced in South Africa after violent anti-migrant unrest spread along parts of the country’s south coast, with affected residents taking shelter in community halls and places of worship.
Most of those affected are reported to be migrants from Malawi and Mozambique. Many said they fled their homes over the weekend after groups of local residents allegedly went door-to-door ordering foreigners to leave.
Some victims described spending nights hiding in nearby bushland before reaching safer locations such as community centres. Others said they were forced out regardless of whether they had valid residence documents.
Witnesses in the coastal town of Gansbaai, about 110 kilometres from Cape Town, said tensions escalated into violent incidents, including the burning of informal housing structures and forced evictions. At least two people from Mozambique were reported killed during the unrest, according to police statements, though differing accounts from Mozambican authorities suggested higher casualties.
Local officials said the violence followed weeks of growing protests targeting undocumented migrants, which escalated after fringe groups issued ultimatums demanding foreigners leave certain communities by set deadlines. Armed groups were reportedly seen patrolling some areas with sticks and other weapons during the unrest.
Authorities in affected regions said hundreds of people have since been displaced, with some countries initiating voluntary repatriation measures for their citizens.
In towns such as Kleinmond and Stanford, community halls and mosques have been turned into temporary shelters, where displaced migrants are receiving food and basic support from volunteers and local residents.
Some of those affected described losing personal belongings, documents, and homes during the chaos, while others said they had no choice but to leave quickly to avoid further violence.
Officials and aid workers have begun assisting with documentation and relocation efforts as tensions remain high in parts of the Western Cape region.
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