MOSSEL BAY, Western Cape – Law enforcement authorities have intensified operations in Mossel Bay following violent disturbances, with investigators now handling three distinct homicide cases. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile confirmed that two of the fatalities involve Mozambican nationals connected to Friday’s unrest targeting foreign nationals, while a separate killing of an 18-year-old South African occurred under unrelated circumstances.
Speaking from the Asla Park area, Commissioner Patekile indicated that while public order units have helped stabilize the situation, underlying tensions have not fully subsided. The focal point of Friday evening’s violence was Giyani, an informal settlement established roughly ten years ago that houses a culturally diverse population.
Commissioner Patekile provided detailed clarification on the investigation surrounding the 18-year-old victim, whose death had generated significant community concern. “The 18-year-old matter is unrelated to the first one,” Patekile stated. He noted this incident took place between late Saturday and early Sunday, specifically around 3:00 AM—distinct from the two unrest-linked killings that occurred between Friday and Saturday morning.
According to the Commissioner’s account, the 18-year-old deceased and a 15-year-old companion were discovered inside an unoccupied shack in Giyani. Initial findings suggest the two were in the process of removing belongings that did not belong to them when the property’s owner or custodian encountered them. During the ensuing confrontation, the younger individual concealed himself beneath a bed while the owner pursued the 18-year-old, who was fatally stabbed. Patekile confirmed that all parties directly involved in this incident—the two youths and the suspect—are South African citizens. “We know who the suspect is and we’re working to apprehend that suspect for this murder case,” he stated.
The Commissioner stressed that this case bears no connection to the xenophobic violence that erupted earlier. “They are not related to the Friday-Saturday morning incidents,” Patekile emphasized, directly countering claims that the teenager’s death stemmed from discrimination tied to the unrest.
In related developments, several Mozambican nationals have been repatriated to their home country with consular support following the violence. Meanwhile, municipal facilities continue to shelter displaced persons, including South African citizens. Some of these displaced residents have reported experiencing bias, stating they were targeted because they do not speak isiXhosa and originate from Limpopo province, where Xitsonga are commonly spoken.
Police maintain an active presence across Mossel Bay as forensic and investigative teams continue work on all three murder dockets. Authorities urge community members with relevant information to come forward as inquiries progress.