More than 5,000 Mozambicans deported from South Africa

More than 5,000 Mozambican nationals were deported from South Africa between January and June 2025, the National Migration Service (SENAMI) has reported.

Out of the 5,012 people sent back, 4,866 were expelled for irregular immigration. Others faced deportation for various offenses including illegal mining (143), involvement in robbery gangs (42), physical assault (11), homicide (4), smuggling (4), and domestic violence (6). Women accounted for 253 of those deported.

The majority of deportees originated from Gaza province, followed by Manica, Inhambane, Sofala, and Maputo provinces, with a smaller number coming from other regions.

Carmen Mazenga, spokesperson for SENAMI in Maputo province, expressed growing concern over the rising number of repatriations. She called for tighter border controls and faster processing of travel documents to address the situation.

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