Police investigate double murder during Asla Park violence

Two people have been killed amid violent unrest that erupted in various parts of Asla Park, KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, yesterday (May 29) and this morning (May 30).

According to the Mossel Bay Advertiser, the motive for the murders is under police investigation.

Southern Cape Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies said KwaNonqaba police responded to a scene at the New Rest informal settlement, where the body of a man was found at about 03:00 today.

“On arrival, the members found the victim with multiple injuries. He was declared dead by paramedics,” said Spies.

Spies added that at about 03:20, police were called to a nearby hospital, where they were directed to a man who had been declared dead upon arrival. He said two murder dockets have been opened, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murders.

Police deployment and unrest

Spies said reinforcements from neighbouring stations were dispatched to KwaNonqaba yesterday afternoon. He added that there were also reports of homes being set alight.

He said more Public Order Police officers have been deployed and that high visibility will be maintained until the situation is stabilised.

“These efforts are also being supported by local law enforcement personnel deployed,” said Spies.

Displacement and municipal response

Meanwhile, Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotzé has called for calm and respect within the community.

He said he had learned with great sorrow that people had been hurt during the night, that residents had lost their homes, and that women and children were walking the streets with nowhere to go.

“I want to please ask our community to stay calm, respect others, respect their livelihoods. Not all foreigners are illegal. Let’s work together and get to a solution without destroying and without hurting,” he said.

Mossel Bay Advertiser previously reported that scores of people have been left displaced, with reports of residents leaving parts of KwaNonqaba in droves following suspected xenophobic attacks.

Videos and photos of people fleeing Asla Park, some with bags and suitcases and others with only the clothes on their backs, were sent to the Mossel Bay Advertiser by an Asla Park resident this morning.

The Mossel Bay Municipality said municipal resources were fully deployed and that it was aware of several structure fires involving wood and iron structures.

It said it had activated social services yesterday, conducted profiling of displaced residents’ needs, and mobilised support.

The municipality added that it had made a central venue available where displaced persons could be accommodated, but several individuals chose to stay elsewhere.

It also stated that the unrest remains largely contained within the KwaNonqaba area and is not affecting other areas or routes.

Residents were urged to keep access routes clear at all times, maintain a safe distance from active scenes, not interfere with personnel or equipment, and respect the safety of all operational staff.

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