President Zuma said the Mozambican had used a false name because he was an illegal immigrant.

PRETORIA - President Jacob Zuma on Monday said the Mozambican man who was killed in Alexandra two weeks ago was an illegal immigrant using a false name.

Media reports identified the man as Emmanuel Sithole after he was brutally attacked during xenophobic violence in the township a little over a week ago.

Zuma was speaking at a Freedom Day event in Pretoria earlier.

During his speech, Zuma said Sithole had used a false name to avoid detection because he was an illegal immigrant.

"Emmanuel Josias, who was identified by the media as Emmanuel Sithole, he was killed during a callous robbery in Alexandra township."

Meanwhile, Josias's family says preparations to have his body returned to Mozambique are underway and a memorial service will be held in Johannesburg this Wednesday.