Police in Western Cape investigate murders linked to Mossel Bay unrest.
Image: Courtney Africa
Western Cape police are investigating three murders linked to recent unrest in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, where two Mozambican nationals and an 19-year-old South African were killed following violent incidents that left dozens displaced.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said violence erupted on Friday, May 29, when a group of people allegedly set about 55 shacks alight in the Asla Park informal settlement in KwaNonqaba.
According to police, George Public Order Police officers, supported by local police, firefighters and disaster management teams, responded to the unrest and managed to restore order.
"The police deployments with local fire services and disaster management teams quelled the situation that resulted in the displacement of a number of people," Potelwa said.
The violence turned deadly in the early hours of Saturday when police discovered the body of a 27-year-old man with multiple injuries in the area. Shortly afterwards, another man who had sustained assault injuries was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.
Police later established that the two victims, aged 27 and 43, were Mozambican nationals.
"While investigations into the murders continue, no arrests have been effected yet," Potelwa said.
In a separate incident on Sunday morning, KwaNonqaba police were called to the New Rest informal settlement after the body of a 19-year-old South African man was found outside a shack with stab wounds.
The teenager was declared dead by paramedics shortly after 3am.
Police said detectives are pursuing a suspect in connection with the killing.
"Investigations into this murder are progressing with detectives searching for a known suspect," Potelwa said.
Authorities have also made several arrests linked to the unrest.
Five suspects have been arrested since the violence broke out. Two suspects were charged with public violence and appeared in court on Monday, where they were granted bail of R1 000 each.
Three others are expected to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court on charges relating to the possession of suspected stolen property.
As tensions remain high, police have urged residents to refrain from spreading misinformation.
"A further plea is made to community members and leaders to refrain from disseminating unverified information as that causes unnecessary panic and anxiety," Potelwa said.
Police added that deployments remain on high alert in the area as efforts continue to restore stability.
"No further incidents have been reported in the area since Monday," Potelwa said.
SAPS reiterated that while it respects the right to protest, law enforcement would act against those who engage in violence.
"When marchers/protesters engage in violent acts including in incitement of violence, police will not hesitate to act decisively," Potelwa warned.
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