Investigation finds no xenophobic motive in Mossel Bay murder of Nhlamulo Sambo

Western Cape police have refuted allegations that 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo, from Limpopo, was deliberately targeted during anti-immigration protests in Mossel Bay.

Sambo was fatally stabbed in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, on Sunday, May 31.

Initial reports alleged that Sambo, who was originally from Giyani in Limpopo, had been attacked by residents because he spoke Xitsonga.

His sister, Nonhlanhla Sambo, claimed that he had been sleeping at a friend's house when he was forcibly removed and killed for speaking the language.

"My 19-year-old little brother was stabbed to death on May 31 during xenophobic riots and protests in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. His only fault was being Tsonga in a Xhosa community. We, as a family, are deeply hurt by this inhumane act. Justice must be served. We will not be silent," she wrote on Facebook.

His mother, Nkateko Sambo, also alleged that her son was killed during unrest reportedly linked to protests against foreign nationals.

"They killed my son like a dog, saying that he was a foreigner, whereas my child is Tsonga, a South African citizen from Giyani in Limpopo," she said in a video circulated on social media.

However, police said preliminary investigations revealed a different motive.

Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile said Sambo was confronted while allegedly attempting to steal items from a shack.

"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," Patekile said.

Patekile confirmed that police are searching for the murder suspect.

Meanwhile, IOL sent the Sambo family a query regarding the new developments. A response had not been received at the time of publication.

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