MOSSEL BAY, Western Cape – Tensions remain elevated in Mossel Bay one week after deadly unrest erupted, with community members reporting that initial protests concerning undocumented foreign nationals have reportedly expanded to include targeting of Tsonga-speaking South African citizens.
At the center of growing controversy is the killing of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo. His family has accused law enforcement of misrepresenting the circumstances surrounding his death and announced plans to lay a formal case against Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile. The family disputes official remarks suggesting the killing stemmed from a motive unrelated to the broader unrest.
In a statement, a family representative asserted: “My son belongs to Tsonga. So sometimes the Tsonga language is similar. So I understand they killed my son because of a tribal war. That’s a tribal reason.” The family alleges that Commissioner Patekile concealed this motive and issued a false public statement regarding their son’s death. Sambo’s body was returned to the location where he died before being transported to Limpopo for burial.
Police have firmly rejected the allegation that Sambo’s death is connected to the recent unrest. A police spokesperson stated: “Based on the information currently at our disposal, the death of Mr. Sambo is not linked to recent unrest in the area. We therefore urge the public to refrain from speculation and spreading misinformation and to allow the investigation to proceed unhindered.”
Community members continue to express fear and frustration. One resident, who asked not to be named, described feeling unsafe despite being a South African citizen, citing break-ins and alleging that perpetrators “don’t care about citizens.” She reported that neighbors who are citizens have fled the area and claimed that when residents contacted local police stations—including Da Gamaskop and Kwanonqaba—they were told the violence was “not our problem” or advised to “keep fighting until you’re tired.”
As unrest simmers, concerns are mounting about the long-term impact on social cohesion and community relations in Mossel Bay. Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue: a 23-year-old man charged with the murder of Nhlamulo Sambo is expected to appear in court on Friday.
