Nelson Mandela University Refugee Rights Centre

08/06/2026

02/06/2026

Western Cape police are investigating the stabbing death of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo during an altercation in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay.

02/06/2026

GIYANI TEENAGER KILLED IN MOSSEL BAY AMID XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE.

A 19-year-old teenager from Giyani in Limpopo's Mopani District was allegedly stabbed to death during violent xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.

The victim, Nhlamulo Sambo, was reportedly murdered on Sunday, 31 May, after a group of attackers allegedly mistook him for a foreign national when he was unable to speak isiXhosa. Sambo was a learner at Hillcrest Secondary School.

According to reports, the teenager was caught up in violent unrest that swept through the KwaNonqaba and Asla Park areas over the weekend. The attacks left communities in turmoil, forcing many residents to flee for safety.

The violence resulted in several homes being set alight, while approximately 400 displaced people were accommodated in emergency shelters arranged by the Mossel Bay Municipality.

The incident comes amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa, with campaigns calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from the country gaining traction. The tragic death of Sambo has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the impact of xenophobic violence on innocent residents.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing as calls grow for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Follow us for more updates.