South Africa police investigate killing of two Mozambican men

Two men from Mozambique were killed in South Africa's Mossel Bay, authorities have said.

In an earlier statement, the Mozambican government said five of its nationals had been killed "as a direct consequence of xenophobic attacks". But the police in South Africa did not give a motive and an investigation is ongoing.

Tensions have been rising in South Africa in recent weeks following protests calling for tougher action against illegal migration. Some African nations say it has resulted in violence against their citizens, which South African authorities have not confirmed.

The deaths of the men aged 27 and 43 on Saturday follows violence in the Western Cape the day before.

In releasing these details, the South African police said on Tuesday that they wanted to "set the record straight".

In a separate incident, officers said an 18-year-old South African man was stabbed to death in the early hours of Sunday, in what was possibly a botched robbery. No arrests have been made.

On Friday, violent unrest swept through a settlement in KwaNonqaba, during which more than 50 shacks were set on fire.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the arson, authorities have said.

One Mozambican woman told local media she and her family were "still inside when people started burning down" their house.

"They said we should leave or we'll get hurt," Dolinda Mabunda said. adding they took what they could and "ran".

While the South African police statement confirmed the killings of the two Mozambican men, Maputo said five of its citizens had been killed.

The Mozambique government alleged that 800 of its citizens had been "victims of xenophobic attacks" during Friday's violence.

It added 300 people had left South Africa on Saturday to return to Mozambique and the remaining 500 were due to follow. Two people 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, as well as being involved in crime, and have called on the government to strengthen immigration enforcement, resulting in rising anti-foreigner sentiment.

Several African countries including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have advised their citizens to remain vigilant.

Recently, Ghana evacuated hundreds of its nationals citing safety concerns.

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, but there are believed to be many more without papers.

Protest group March and March has set an unofficial deadline for all undocumented immigrants to leave the country by 30 June, as demonstrations continue ahead of local elections due to be held later this year.

Xenophobia has long been an issue in the country and has been accompanied by occasional outbursts of deadly attacks.

Additional reporting by Jose Tembe in Mozambique

'We have to prioritise South Africans': Anti-migrant movement blocks foreigners from healthcare

South Africa condemns 'fake videos' of alleged xenophobic attacks

The uniformed group targeting foreigners in South Africa

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica , on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

Focus on Africa

This Is Africa