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South African Government Rejects WHO Toll and Intensifies Mass Repatriations

The dispute over who died has raised diplomatic tension and could complicate protection for thousands of displaced migrants and ongoing deportation operations.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and affiliates walk through the street of Cape Town as they embark on a nationwide strike to mark World Day of Decent Work, in Cape Town, South Africa, October 7, 2024. REUTERS/Esa Alexander/File Photo
Image
A small group of protesters marched from Church Square to the Nigerian embassy in Pretoria on 23 September 2020. Picture: Jacques Nelles/The Citizen
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks to lawmakers in parliament, in Cape Town, South Africa, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Esa Alexander

Overview

  • The World Health Organization’s director‑general wrote on June 14 that 10 foreign nationals had been killed and thousands displaced, prompting international alarm.
  • The Presidency and Foreign Affairs officials have disputed the WHO characterisation, saying Ethiopian deaths are tied to organised‑crime incidents and that the South African Police Service has confirmed two Mozambican fatalities in Mossel Bay with investigations continuing.
  • Home Affairs reported about 2,745 repatriations in the week after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced tougher immigration measures on June 7, and several nearby countries have run evacuation flights and bus convoys for their citizens.
  • The government has warned citizens not to take enforcement into their own hands and said DIRCO will engage the WHO to clarify facts as anti‑immigrant groups maintain a June 30 ultimatum that keeps tensions high.
  • Humanitarian needs and diplomatic fallout are growing as thousands shelter in makeshift sites, unions and rights groups warn of rights risks from rapid deportation drives, and officials flag a surge of manipulated social media that fuels the crisis.