The police in the Garden Route District are investigating the deaths of two people in Mossel Bay, as officers also get to work following 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.

Meanwhile, 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 the KwaNonqaba 20 minutes later.

It is not clear at this stage whether these deaths can be linked to the protest actions.

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

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.