Hundreds of Foreign Nationals Flee Homes as Anti-Migrant Mobs Go Door-to-Door in South Africa

Hundreds of migrants have fled their homes along South Africa’s south coast and taken shelter in community halls, following a fresh wave of violent attacks targeting foreign nationals. Witnesses say local residents have formed anti-migrant mobs, moving door-to-door to hunt down and chase foreigners out of the country.

Displaced migrants were seen walking along highways carrying bags, suitcases and other belongings after abandoning their communities. Some have locked themselves inside their homes for safety, while others have escaped to temporary shelters.

One Zimbabwean migrant, Thomas Vincent Balogoi, described how he was forced out without any regard for his legal status. “The people just chased us away. They didn’t ask us whether we have documents or not. They just chased us away like dogs,” he said.

Another migrant, Michael Markson, said fear has taken hold of foreign communities, with many still trapped indoors. “In the community, there were Somalians, Malawians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Congolese. Many of them are afraid, others are still there living, but they are locked inside their houses,” Markson explained.

Tallibo Mbewe, who also fled, appealed for help to return to his homeland, saying many victims have lost everything. “If maybe the government can speak with our government to beg maybe we can find a transport and anything to go home,” he said. “It is better even to go without anything because we have already lost. The thieves took all our stuff at home, so we don’t have anything left. But it is better to go home without anything than to lose our lives.”

Governments of affected countries have begun reacting to the violence. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, addressed repatriated Ghanaian citizens, urging them not to lose hope. “We don’t want any of you to feel broken-hearted, don’t be down-hearted, don’t be depressed. Have confidence that the Almighty has better plans for you,” Ablakwa said.

The latest incidents have renewed concerns about recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where migrants from other African nations have frequently been targeted during periods of economic and social strain.

Human rights advocates have repeatedly called on authorities to protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable.