The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed three fatalities and widespread property damage following a series of violent incidents in the KwaNonqaba area of Mossel Bay between Friday, May 29, and Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The unrest began on Friday when George Public Order Police, assisted by local law enforcement, responded to sporadic violence in the Asla Park informal settlement. Approximately 55 shacks were allegedly torched by a group of individuals. Joint operations involving police, municipal fire services, and disaster management personnel successfully contained the situation, though numerous residents were displaced.
Early Saturday morning, authorities were alerted to a location where a 27-year-old man was found dead with multiple injuries. Within hours, a second victim—a 43-year-old man suffering from assault-related trauma—was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. SAPS confirmed both deceased individuals were Mozambican nationals. Investigations into these homicides remain active, with no arrests made to date.
A third fatality occurred in a separate incident around 03:00 on Sunday in the New Rest informal settlement. KwaNonqaba police discovered the body of an 18-year-old South African male in front of a shack. The victim, who had sustained stab wounds, was declared deceased by paramedics at 03:19. Detectives are actively pursuing a known suspect in this case.
In total, five arrests have been made in connection with the weekend’s disturbances. Two suspects charged with public violence appeared in court on Monday and were each granted bail of R1,000. Three additional individuals are set to face the Mossel Bay Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on charges linked to possession of presumed stolen property.
SAPS reaffirmed that while the constitutional right to protest is respected, all demonstrations must adhere to legal frameworks. The service warned that law enforcement will intervene decisively against any acts of violence or incitement during public gatherings.
Authorities also appealed to community members and local leadership to avoid circulating unverified reports, emphasizing that misinformation can exacerbate fear and instability.
Police presence in the KwaNonqaba area remains elevated to ensure public safety and restore order. No further incidents have been reported since Monday.