Mossel Bay, Western Cape – The tragic death of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo in Mossel Bay has ignited a fierce debate, with his grieving mother firmly believing her son was murdered because of his Tsonga ethnicity. This deeply personal conviction clashes with the preliminary findings of the South African Police Service (SAPS), which suggest the teenager was confronted during an alleged attempted burglary. The incident, occurring in the New Rest informal settlement of KwaNonqaba, comes hot on the heels of a wave of anti-migrant violence that claimed the lives of two Mozambican nationals in the same area just last weekend, adding a volatile layer to an already sensitive case.
Nhlamulo Sambo’s lifeless body was discovered in the early hours of Sunday morning, May 31, 2026. His mother, Patricia Sambo, is struggling to comprehend the senseless loss of her son and is convinced that xenophobia played a role in his demise. She recounted a version of events allegedly relayed to her by another boy who was purportedly with Nhlamulo at the time of the incident. According to this account, the other boy, identified as Xhosa, allegedly hid behind a door, while Nhlamulo concealed himself near a cupboard. The implication, as conveyed by Patricia Sambo, is that the Xhosa boy was spared, while her Tsonga son was targeted.
Speaking to Eden FM, Patricia Sambo articulated her pain and suspicion: “When that boy came here, he [allegedly] said he was behind the door. My boy was hiding [allegedly] somewhere where there was a cupboard. So, I don’t know what happened. The other boy, they [allegedly] never touched him because he is a Xhosa. That boy of mine, [allegedly] because he is a Tsonga from Limpopo, was killed. I’m very hurt. To kill my son like a dog. I am very hurt.” Her words underscore the raw grief and the deeply held belief that her son was a victim of ethnic prejudice, a sentiment that resonates with the recent anti-migrant violence in the region.
However, the SAPS’s preliminary investigation offers a starkly different narrative. According to police information, the victim and a 15-year-old companion allegedly entered a shack with the intention of stealing goods. Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile provided crucial details, stating: “A 15-year-old who was with the deceased, and who apparently hid inside the shack, said they entered the shack with the intention of taking some goods. They were then accosted by the owner of the shack upon his arrival. The owner subsequently chased the deceased and stabbed him to death.” This account directly contradicts the mother’s understanding of events, shifting the focus from xenophobia to a tragic consequence of criminal activity.
Police have since made a swift arrest in connection with Nhlamulo’s murder. Brigadier Novela Potelwa, police spokesperson, confirmed that a 23-year-old man was apprehended on Tuesday evening in the KwaNonqaba area. This breakthrough came after detectives worked “hard at pursuing leads” since the incident. Potelwa stated: “Investigations into the murder of a 19-year-old in KwaNonqaba on Sunday morning have yielded results with the arrest of a 23-year-old man on Tuesday evening in the area.” The suspect is expected to face murder charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The context of recent anti-migrant violence in Mossel Bay and KwaNonqaba cannot be overlooked. Just days before Nhlamulo Sambo’s death, two Mozambican nationals were killed in what has been described as xenophobic attacks. Mozambique’s government confirmed that five of its citizens were killed in such attacks in South Africa, prompting 300 Mozambicans to return home voluntarily. The Guardian reported that South African police confirmed two deaths of Mozambicans in Mossel Bay as anti-immigration violence swept the country. EWN also reported on the Mossel Bay protests, confirming the deaths of two Mozambican nationals in the Asla Park informal settlement in KwaNonqaba over the weekend. These incidents highlight a deeply troubled social climate where tensions between local communities and foreign nationals are dangerously high.
Lieutenant General Hadebe has reiterated her call for community cooperation in the ongoing investigation into Omphile Sethole's disappearance, while simultaneously warning the public against the spread of misinformation. This warning is particularly pertinent in the highly charged atmosphere surrounding Nhlamulo Sambo’s death, where conflicting narratives and strong emotions could easily fuel further unrest. The Provincial Commissioner appealed to communities to continue providing credible information that may assist police in finding Omphile safely, and by extension, to ensure accurate information guides the investigation into Nhlamulo’s murder.
While the police’s preliminary findings point towards an alleged attempted burglary, the mother’s assertion of xenophobia cannot be entirely dismissed, especially given the recent spate of anti-migrant violence in the area. The investigation will need to meticulously untangle these conflicting accounts to establish the full truth behind Nhlamulo Sambo’s untimely death. The community, still reeling from the violence, awaits answers, hoping for justice and a clearer understanding of the forces at play in their troubled settlement.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Nhlamulo Sambo is urged to contact the police. The public can reach out to Warrant Officer Chuene Selolo on 082 469 2594, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or share information via the MySAPSApp anonymously. Credible information is vital to ensure that justice is served and to prevent further escalation of tensions within the community.
