The death of a 19-year-old makes up the third weekend murder in Mossel Bay.

Police in the Southern Cape have confirmed that the teen’s body was found in an open field in the New Rest informal settlement in KwaNonqaba on Sunday. The suspect fled the scene and has yet to be arrested.

“According to reports available, KwaNonqaba police was summoned to the scene following an altercation between two men. Upon arrival the members found the victim in an open field at New Rest, Kwanonqaba with a stab wound to the chest. He was declared dead by paramedics on scene,” said Warrant Officer Christopher Spies in a statement on Wednesday night.

The teen’s murder comes a day after police in the Garden Route District launched an investigation into the deaths of two others in the same area a day before.

The deaths of two men were confirmed in the early hours of Saturday morning. The first body was found at 03:00 that morning, in the New Rest informal settlement, with the second death confirmed on arrival at a medical facility in KwaNonqaba 20 minutes later.

“Investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the death of two men aged 27 and 43 from KwaNonqaba.”

At the same time, officers are also at work investigating violent unrest in KwaNonqaba on Friday. 

Southern Cape SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, confirmed that police and other law enforcement role players remain on high alert following protest action in Asla Park informal settlement in KwaNonqaba. The protest is believed to have targeted foreign nationals in the area.

“No further incidents were reported overnight with additional members comprising Public Order Police and local police deployed to ensure calm is restored,” said Spies in a statement.

He further noted that two suspects were arrested for public violence, with an additional three arrests carried out on suspects found with suspected stolen property.

“The suspects remain in police custody and will appear in the local magistrates court once charged,” said Spies.

The Executive Mayor, Dirk Kotzé, took to social media on Saturday to express his concern over the developments, especially with the violence that occurred.

“Violence and intimidation have no place in our communities. Let us remain calm, respect one another, and protect the lives and livelihoods of all. It is important to remember that not all foreign nationals are in the country illegally. Let us seek solutions without destruction,” he said.

The Mossel Bay Municipality said it has been providing humanitarian aid to the families displaced in the Friday demonstrations.

The municipality has since thanked all those who have supported those affected by the unrest.

“In a time of uncertainty, your compassion has made a meaningful difference. From the provision of meals, baby care packs complete with blankets, personal hygiene items, and treats for children – to donations of pillows, water, food, and other essential supplies — every act of kindness has brought comfort, dignity, and hope to those affected,” read the municipality’s statement on social media.

Police have not confirmed whether the abovementioned deaths can be linked to the protest action.

*This article has been updated and edited to reflect the third murder reported in KwaNonqaba in Mossel Bay, as well as the municipality’s latest response to the unrest. 

Residents of Pinelands can expect a more resilient electricity network as the City of Cape Town advances a R3.2 million project to replace overhead power lines with underground infrastructure.

The project forms part of the City’s strategy to improve the durability of its electricity network and reduce the impact of severe weather on power supply.

According to the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, the move underground is a key component of the City’s resilience planning.

“Importantly, the transition from overhead to underground cabling is driven by our resilience strategy, as cables require less maintenance and aren’t exposed to environmental hazards that typically affect overhead conductors.”

Limberg said underground infrastructure offers several advantages beyond enhancing electricity reliability.

“A further benefit is the reduction of costs associated with cable theft, illegal connections, and vandalism, as underground infrastructure is less susceptible to opportunistic damage and illegal tampering.”

Limberg stressed that areas where similar upgrades have already been completed are experiencing fewer power interruptions and improved reliability during adverse weather conditions.

“Our teams are working efficiently to complete the project ahead of schedule, while ensuring minimal disruption to residents.”

Provincial Disaster Management authorities are on high alert as the South African Weather Service has warned of a Level 8 storm in some parts of the province this Wednesday into Thursday, upgraded from Level 5.

Local Government MEC Anton Bredell says Disaster Management officials were briefed by the weather service today on the severe cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route.

“We are urging residents, businesses, farmers and municipalities to prepare for severe weather conditions expected across the province from Wednesday, 3 June, to Thursday, 4 June,” Bredell said.

According to SAWS, the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold conditions and rough seas, with the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo likely to be most severely affected. The municipalities of Bitou, Knysna and George can expect accumulated rainfall of up to 200 mm.

In the Karoo, the Beaufort West Municipality can anticipate between 60 mm and 80 mm of rainfall over the two days.

The expected heavy rainfall, combined with the impacts of the severe storms that affected the same regions during May, has contributed to the high Impact-Based Warnings issued by SAWS today.

A Level 8 warning has been issued for the eastern parts of the Garden Route, while a Level 4 warning has been issued for the Central Karoo, including Laingsburg and Swellendam.

“Such significant rainfall on already saturated ground increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, informal settlements, roads and river catchments. Given the recent rainfall across the province and already saturated catchment areas, there is an elevated risk of rising river levels, dam spillages, infrastructure damage and disruptions to essential services. Rural and farming communities may become isolated if roads are flooded or damaged.

“Along the coast, rough sea conditions and wave heights of up to five metres are expected, posing a risk to small vessels and coastal activities.”

Bredell says provincial and municipal disaster management structures have been activated and are monitoring developments closely.

Residents in affected areas are encouraged to take precautionary measures before the storm arrives.

Farmers and rural communities are advised to prepare for possible isolation by ensuring sufficient supplies for people and livestock, securing equipment and infrastructure, and moving livestock away from flood-prone areas where necessary.

“Please avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and rivers, remain indoors where it is safe to do so, keep emergency contact numbers readily available, and follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services,” Bredell said.