MOSSSEL BAY, Western Cape – Public order policing units have been deployed to Mossel Bay following deadly unrest, with authorities confirming they are investigating three separate murder cases. Two of the victims were Mozambican nationals linked to Friday’s violence targeting foreign nationals, while a third homicide involving an 18-year-old South African is unrelated to the unrest, police stated.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile addressed the situation, confirming that while the area is “relatively under control,” tensions remain elevated. The unrest concentrated Friday evening in Giyani, an informal settlement within Asla Park established approximately a decade ago and home to a diverse mix of residents.
Commissioner Patekile clarified critical details regarding the investigation into the 18-year-old victim, whose death had been the subject of community speculation. “The 18-year-old matter is unrelated to the first one,” Patekile stated. He explained this incident occurred between Saturday night and early Sunday morning at approximately 3:00 AM, distinct from the two killings linked to Friday’s unrest which occurred between Friday and Saturday morning.
According to Patekile, the 18-year-old deceased and a 15-year-old companion were found inside an unoccupied shack in Giyani. Preliminary information indicates the pair were attempting to remove items that did not belong to them when the property owner or person in charge discovered them. During the confrontation, the 15-year-old hid under a bed while the owner pursued the 18-year-old, who was subsequently stabbed and died at the scene. Patekile confirmed all individuals involved in this specific incident—both victims and the suspect—are South African nationals. “We know who the suspect is and we’re working to apprehend that suspect for this murder case,” he added.
The Commissioner explicitly distinguished this case from the unrest-related homicides. “They are not related to the Friday-Saturday morning incidents,” Patekile emphasized, addressing allegations that the teenager’s death resulted from discrimination following the xenophobic violence.
Beyond the murder investigations, authorities noted that a number of Mozambican nationals have been repatriated with assistance from their government following the unrest. Other displaced individuals, including South African citizens, remain accommodated in municipal halls. Some displaced South Africans have reported experiencing discrimination, stating they were targeted because they do not speak isiXhosa and originate from Limpopo, speaking Xitsonga instead.
Police continue to maintain a visible presence in Mossel Bay as investigations into all three murder cases proceed.
