The South African Police Service in the Western Cape wishes to set the record straight in relation to scenes of violence that broke out in KwaNonqaba, Mosselbay on Friday, 29 May 2026.
George Public Order Police members supported by local police responded on Friday to sporadic scenes of violence and where about 55 shacks that were set alight in the Asla Park informal settlement of KwaNonqaba allegedly by a group of people.
The police deployments with local fire services and disaster management teams quelled the situation that resulted in the displacement of a number of people.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, police were called out to a scene in the area where the body of a 27 year old man was discovered with multiple injuries in the area.
Shortly thereafter, another man with assault injuries was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.
It was later determined that the two deceased men aged 27 and 43 were of Mozambican descent.
While investigations into the murders continue, no arrests have been effected yet.
In a separate incident, at approximately 3:00 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 infront of a shack.
The deceased person had stab wounds.
He was declared dead by paramedics at 3:19.
Investigations into this murder are progressing with detectives searching for a known suspect.
Five suspects were 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 Mosselbay on Tuesday on charges that relate possession of presumed stolen property.
The South African Police Service respects the right of citizens protest however those who embark on such action are urged to do so within the confines of the law.
When marchers/protesters engage in violent acts including in 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.
Police deployments remain on high alert in the area in efforts to restore calm and order.
No further incidents have been reported in the area since Monday.
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