Three people have died amid violence in Mossel Bay, with police confirming five arrests as investigations continue into the unrest linked to anti-foreigner sentiments.
Image: SAPS
Western Cape police have moved to clarify circumstances surrounding recent violence in Mossel Bay, confirming that three people were killed during separate incidents linked to unrest in KwaNonqaba while investigations continue into the deaths.
Among those killed is Nhlamulo Sambo, 18, who was found dead on Sunday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said Public Order Police members from George, supported by local police, were deployed on Friday, 29 May 2026, after sporadic violence erupted in the area.
According to police, a group of people allegedly set alight about 55 shacks in the Asla Park informal settlement, resulting in the displacement of several residents.
"The police deployments, together with local fire services and disaster management teams, quelled the situation, which resulted in the displacement of a number of people," SAPS said.
Police said the violence was followed by the discovery of two bodies in separate incidents during the early hours of Saturday morning.
Officers were first called to a scene where the body of a 27-year-old man with multiple injuries was found. Shortly afterwards, another man who had sustained assault injuries was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.
"It was later determined that the two deceased men, aged 27 and 43, were of Mozambican descent," police said.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the two murders.
In a separate incident on Sunday morning, police were called to the New Rest informal settlement at approximately 3am, where the body of an 18-year-old South African man was discovered outside a shack.
The victim had sustained stab wounds and was declared dead by paramedics shortly after police arrived.
While police did not identify the deceased, the incident is believed to be linked to the murder of Sambo, whose death sparked widespread public debate and allegations from family members that he had been mistaken for a foreigner because he spoke Xitsonga.
SAPS said detectives investigating the teenager's murder are pursuing a known suspect.
"Investigations into this murder are progressing, with detectives searching for a known suspect," the statement read.
Police also confirmed that five suspects have been arrested since the violence broke out.
Two suspects were charged with public violence and appeared in court on Monday, where they were granted bail of R1,000 each.
Three additional suspects are expected to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court on charges relating to the possession of suspected stolen property.
The latest developments come after social media speculation linked the violence and killings to anti-foreigner protests in the area.
Without referring to specific claims, police urged community members and leaders to avoid spreading unverified information.
"A further plea is made to community members and leaders to refrain from disseminating unverified information, as this causes unnecessary panic and anxiety," SAPS said.
Police stressed that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, violence and criminality would not be tolerated.
"The South African Police Service respects the right of citizens to protest; however, those who embark on such action are urged to do so within the confines of the law. When marchers or protesters engage in violent acts, including the incitement of violence, police will not hesitate to act decisively."
Police deployments remain on high alert in KwaNonqaba and surrounding areas as authorities work to restore stability.
According to SAPS, no further incidents have been reported since Monday.
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