The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has issued a statement to clarify the events surrounding recent violence that erupted in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, beginning on Friday, 29 May 2026.

During these initial disturbances, a group of people allegedly set approximately 55 shacks alight in the Asla Park informal settlement, resulting in the displacement of several residents and requiring an emergency response from George Public Order Police, local police, and disaster management teams.

Weekend fatalities

Over the course of the following weekend, the area experienced additional tragedies. In the early hours of Saturday morning, police discovered the body of a 27-year-old man who had sustained multiple injuries. Shortly thereafter, a 43-year-old man, who had suffered assault injuries, was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital. It was confirmed that both deceased men were of Mozambican descent; while investigations into these murders continue, no arrests have yet been made.

Separate stabbing incident

In a separate, unrelated incident occurring at approximately 03:00 on Sunday morning, police were called to the New Rest informal settlement, where they found the body of an 18-year-old South African man was discovered lying in front of a shack. The victim had sustained stab wounds and was declared dead by paramedics shortly after. Detectives are currently searching for a known suspect in connection with this murder.

Legal proceedings and police response

Law enforcement has apprehended five suspects in relation to the broader violence. Two suspects were charged with public violence and appeared in court on Monday, where they were each granted R1 000 bail. Three additional suspects are scheduled to appear in the Mossel Bay court on Tuesday on charges related to the possession of presumed stolen property.

While the South African Police Service maintains that it respects the right of citizens to protest, it has urged that such actions remain within the confines of the law, noting that police will act decisively if protesters engage in violent acts or incite violence. Furthermore, officials have requested that community members and leaders refrain from spreading unverified information, as this creates unnecessary anxiety. Police deployments remain on high alert in the area to maintain order, and no further incidents have been reported since Monday.