Western Cape police have confirmed that two Mozambicans and one South African teen have been killed in violence that broke out in Mossel Bay this past weekend.

In a statement, police have given more information about the unrest that broke out on Friday, 29 May. Many reports suggest the unrest is aimed at foreign nationals.

George Public Order Police members, supported by local police, responded to sporadic scenes of violence on Friday, where about 55 shacks were set alight in the Asla Park informal settlement of KwaNonqaba.

The police, together with the fire services, managed to bring the situation under control, but it resulted in the displacement of a number of people.

Then, police say they were called out in the early hours of Saturday morning, where the body of a 27-year-old man was discovered with multiple injuries. Shortly thereafter, another man with assault injuries was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.

It has since been determined that the two deceased men, aged 27 and 43, were of Mozambican descent.

While investigations into the murders continue, no arrests have been made yet.

In a separate incident, at approximately 03:00 on Sunday morning, KwaNonqaba police were called out to the New Rest informal settlement where the body of an 18-year-old South African man was discovered in front of a shack. The deceased person had stab wounds.

Police say investigations into this murder are progressing, with detectives searching for a known suspect.

The authorities also confirmed that five suspects have been arrested since the violence broke out. Two were charged with public violence and have since appeared in court on Monday, where they were granted bail of R1 000 each.

Three suspects are scheduled to appear in court in Mossel Bay on Tuesday on charges that relate to possession of presumed stolen property.

Brigadier Novela Potelwa says while they respect the right of citizens to protest, those who embark on such action must do so within the confines of the law.

“When marchers/protesters engage in violent acts, including incitement of violence, police will not hesitate to act decisively. A further plea is made to community members and leaders to refrain from disseminating unverified information, as that causes unnecessary panic and anxiety.”

Earlier, unverified reports surfaced, apparently emanating from the Mozambican government, alleging that five of its nationals were killed in xenophobic attacks. But this has not been independently verified by police.

Meanwhile, consular services have been activated and are assisting affected groups. The local municipality’s chair for Community Safety, Councillor Leon van Dyk, told the media that about 400 foreign nationals living in KwaNonqaba were displaced when protestors set alight the structures on Friday.

The municipality had provided temporary housing at municipal facilities and catered to other humanitarian needs, while the relevant consulates visited the area to engage with those affected.

Police deployments remain on high alert in the area, and no further incidents have been reported in the area since Monday.