A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo in KwaNonqaba, near Mossel Bay, following an intensive police investigation.
According to police, Sambo’s body was discovered in the New Rest informal settlement at about 03:00 on Sunday, 31 May 2026. He had sustained a stab wound and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Following the incident, a team of detectives led by local station investigators launched a murder investigation and pursued several leads, which resulted in the suspect’s arrest on Tuesday evening.
Western Cape Police Commissioner Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile said preliminary investigations indicate that the murder was not linked to anti-immigration protests or xenophobic violence, as had been alleged on social media.
Patekile said investigators were informed by a 15-year-old who was with Sambo that the pair had allegedly entered a shack with the intention of stealing items when they were confronted by the owner.
According to the commissioner, the shack owner allegedly chased Sambo and fatally stabbed him.
Police have reiterated that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the murder are continuing.
The 23-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court once he has been formally charged.
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