SA dismisses WHO boss’s claim of 10 foreign nationals killed in xenophobic violence
While global condemnation grows over rising anti-immigration protests, an investigation into claims by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reveals a mixture of unrelated organised crime hits and disputed death tolls in Mossel Bay. The South African government has dismissed claims by director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that 10 foreign nationals […] The post SA dismisses WHO boss’s claim of 10 foreign nationals killed in xenophobic violenc
While global condemnation grows over rising anti-immigration protests, an investigation into claims by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reveals a mixture of unrelated organised crime hits and disputed death tolls in Mossel Bay.
The South African government has dismissed claims by director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that 10 foreign nationals have been killed in the latest wave of anti-immigration protests sweeping South Africa.
Ghebreyesus published the claim on 14 June 2026 in a statement on his official X account, condemning protests that have included multiple incidents of civil unrest.
One incident in KuGompo, Eastern Cape, in April led to the looting of shops after a protest over the alleged installation of a Nigerian “king”, and another incident in late May in Mossel Bay displaced at least 400 foreign nationals. Protests have since taken place across the country, ranging from a few dozen attendees to hundreds.
“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,” Ghebreyesus’ statement began.
