Presidency Rejects WHO Xenophobia Claims Over Migrant Deaths In South Africa

The Presidency has rejected claims by the World Health Organization (WHO) that recent deaths involving African migrants in South Africa were the result of xenophobic violence.

The response follows comments by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who alleged that 10 African migrants had been killed amid rising anti-migrant tensions across the country.

South Africa has experienced a surge in anti-migrant demonstrations in recent weeks, with protests taking place in several communities. The unrest has also prompted some African countries to begin repatriating citizens over safety concerns.

WHO Xenophobia Claims Spark Government Response

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus raised alarm about the situation in a post on X on Sunday, 14 June 2026. He claimed that thousands of people had been displaced and that several migrants had lost their lives during the unrest.

According to Ghebreyesus, five Ethiopian nationals were killed, while another five Mozambicans died in Mossel Bay.

“Thousands more are now fleeing for their lives,” he said.

The WHO chief urged an end to violence and called on communities to resolve grievances through lawful means.

“South Africa deserves better. Africa deserves better. Stop the hate. Protect the vulnerable. Uphold our shared humanity,” his post further reads.

It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in #SouthAfrica this week. Hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced, and lives have been tragically cut short.

These include at least five Ethiopians killed… pic.twitter.com/0W5nssBZI8

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 14, 2026

The Presidency responded on Monday, saying some of the information shared by the WHO was inaccurate and risked creating a misleading picture of events.

Presidency Says Ethiopian Deaths Not Linked To Xenophobia

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya expressed sympathy to the families affected by the recent deaths. However, he stressed that investigations do not support claims that all the incidents were driven by xenophobia.

“The Presidency deeply regrets the tragic loss of life in these recent incidents, as one life lost is simply one too many.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected,” the statement reads.

Magwenya said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) would engage directly with the WHO to address concerns about the information being circulated.

“Most notably, the WHO’s characterisation of the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals is, unfortunately, incorrect.

“The events that led to the deaths of these Ethiopian nationals fall within the realm of organised crime, as has already been publicly reported, and are being actively investigated by law enforcement agencies.”

Authorities previously indicated that the deaths of five Ethiopian nationals were linked to two separate shooting incidents in the Johannesburg CBD during April 2026. Investigators believe the killings were targeted attacks rather than xenophobic violence.

Government Reiterates Law Enforcement Role Amid Anti-Migrant Protests

The Presidency said investigations into the deaths of Mozambican nationals in Mossel Bay are continuing. The incident occurred during unrest in the Asla Park informal settlement on 29 May.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), two Mozambican men aged 27 and 43 were killed during sporadic violence. About 55 shacks were also reportedly destroyed by fire during the unrest.

However, the Mozambican government has disputed those figures and maintains that five of its citizens died in the violence.

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Magwenya said discussions with the WHO would also focus on the government’s response to migration-related challenges and public concerns around undocumented foreign nationals.

He reiterated that law enforcement powers remain the responsibility of authorised authorities and not private citizens.

“President [Cyril] Ramaphosa and the inter-ministerial committee on migration have been unequivocal in their stance: only duly authorized law enforcement officials have the mandate to enforce the law.”

The statement comes amid growing tensions over immigration issues, with some protest groups vowing to take action against individuals they suspect are undocumented migrants.