MOSSEL BAY – Most people displaced by recent violence in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, have now been relocated as humanitarian and safety interventions continue in the area.

According to the Mossel Bay Municipality, numerous buses departed Mossel Bay on 1 June, transporting displaced people from temporary accommodation at municipal community facilities in line with arrangements made by their respective consulates.

The latest update follows a violent weekend in KwaNonqaba that claimed three lives and left dozens of people displaced, as previously reported by the South African Police Service.

The municipality said it, together with relevant community safety partners, oversaw the safe loading and departure of the buses.

The remaining displaced people, fewer than 100 individuals, are currently being accommodated at one municipal community facility while arrangements with the relevant authorities continue.

“The consulates of affected individuals remain engaged and are continuing to coordinate relocation arrangements,” the municipality said.

The displacement of foreign nationals follows weeks of protests against undocumented migrants.

As previously reported, the Mozambique government said five of its citizens were killed as a direct consequence of xenophobic attacks.

Meanwhile around 300 people fled back across the border into Mozambique on 30 May, with hundreds more expected to follow, according to Mozambican authorities.

Ghana has already repatriated 300 of its citizens, with hundreds more due to leave this weekend.

Nigeria has also announced emergency repatriation flights.

According to the Mossel Bay Municipality, humanitarian assistance remains ongoing, with support provided by the Department of Social Development, non-governmental organisations, churches and community organisations.

Displaced people in the region continue to receive meals, medical care and basic support services.

The municipality said security and law enforcement personnel remain deployed at all affected sites to ensure continued safety and stability.

Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, together with senior leadership and Garden Route District Commissioner Major General Phumzile Cetyana, visited KwaNonqaba on 2 June as part of ongoing oversight and coordination efforts.

The municipality indicated that municipal officials from various departments, including Community Development, also remain deployed and continue to assist with the coordinated response.

The municipality said no further incidents of violence or damage to property have been reported.

To date, an estimated 55 wood and iron structures have been destroyed in the KwaNonqaba area, contributing to the displacement of residents.

The municipality had made community facilities available from 29 May to accommodate those displaced by the unrest.

On 2 June, police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said police responded to violence in the Asla Park informal settlement on 29 May, where about 55 shacks were allegedly set alight, resulting in the displacement of residents.

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Three people were killed during the recent violence, two Mozambican men, aged 27 and 43, and an 18-year-old South African man.

Potelwa said murder investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made in connection with the deaths.

Five suspects have, however, been arrested since the violence began.

Two appeared in court on public violence charges and were granted bail of R1,000 each, while three others face charges relating to the possession of suspected stolen property.

Potelwa said that police remain on high alert to maintain calm and order in the area.

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