MOSSEL BAY, Western Cape – One week after violent disturbances shook Mossel Bay, the community remains on edge as new allegations emerge that the unrest has evolved beyond initial concerns about undocumented migrants to include attacks targeting Tsonga-speaking South African residents.
The killing of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo has intensified local divisions. His family has publicly challenged official accounts of his death and confirmed intentions to file a formal complaint against Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile. They contest statements that characterize the killing as unrelated to the broader community tensions.
A family spokesperson stated: “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 contends that Commissioner Patekile has withheld this motive and released an inaccurate public statement concerning their son’s death. Sambo’s remains were brought back to the site of his death before being transferred to Limpopo for burial rites.
Law enforcement officials have maintained a firm position that Sambo’s death is not connected to the recent unrest. A police spokesperson addressed the matter directly: “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.”
Local residents continue to voice concerns about safety and institutional response. One community member, speaking on condition of anonymity, described living in fear despite holding South African citizenship. She referenced recent break-ins and alleged that perpetrators “don’t care about citizens,” noting that several citizen neighbors have already fled the area. She further claimed that when residents reached out to police stations in Da Gamaskop and Kwanonqaba during the height of the violence, they were told the situation was “not our problem” or advised to “keep fighting until you’re tired.”
As the situation remains volatile, community leaders and observers are increasingly worried about lasting damage to social cohesion and intergroup relations in Mossel Bay. In related legal developments, a 23-year-old man facing murder charges in connection with the death of Nhlamulo Sambo is scheduled to appear before a magistrate on Friday.