South Africa calls out WHO over disputed migrant death claims
The Presidency has called out global bodies over what it describes as misinformation regarding South Africa’s immigration challenges.
This follows comments by World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who said in a social media post that five Ethiopian and five Mozambican nationals had died as a result of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
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.
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 14, 2026
These include at least five Ethiopians killed… pic.twitter.com/0W5nssBZI8
South Africa has in recent weeks seen demonstrations linked to immigration, led by the March and March Movement under Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, which has been calling for the deportation of undocumented migrants.
Alongside broadcaster Ngizwe Mchunu, the movement issued a demand that undocumented migrants leave the country before 30 June.
In his post, Tedros said it was “profoundly heartbreaking” to witness what he described as a surge of xenophobic violence in South Africa, claiming that hundreds had marched on Parliament, families had been displaced, and that at least five Ethiopians and five Mozambicans had died.
He further stated that “to see South Africa turn to xenophobia is a tragic betrayal of the country’s struggle for independence and freedom.”
The Presidency said this characterisation was incorrect and did not reflect the situation on the ground.
“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.
"Most notably, the WHO’s characterisation of the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals is, unfortunately, incorrect. The events that led to their deaths fall within the realm of organised crime, as has already been publicly reported, and are being actively investigated by law enforcement agencies.
"Concerning the Mozambican nationals, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has stated that this matter is also currently under active investigation,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
Magwenya said the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration has been clear that only duly authorised law enforcement officials have the mandate to enforce the country’s immigration laws.
He added that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation would engage the WHO to ensure that the information being circulated was accurate and properly verified.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has recently announced new measures aimed at strengthening efforts to curb illegal immigration, including tighter enforcement of immigration and labour laws, intensified action against corruption in the immigration system, strengthened legislation, and enhanced regional cooperation on migration management.
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