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.
