A 19-year-old teenager, Nhlamulo Sambo, was stabbed to death on Sunday, May 31, in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, in what his family claims was a xenophobic attack. According to police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, the teen was stabbed after he got into an altercation with another man.
The incident has sparked outrage, with the family claiming that the teen was killed because he was a Tsonga, a South African citizen from Limpopo, and was mistaken for a foreigner. In a video, his mother, Nkateko Sambo, pleaded for donations to transport her son back to Limpopo where he will be buried, saying she is unemployed and cannot afford the costs.
Investigation Underway
Western Cape police have confirmed that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing. Spies said police were called to the scene and found the teen with a stab wound to the chest. He was declared dead by paramedics on scene, and the suspect fled the scene.
The South African Government has been working to address issues of xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals. However, incidents like this highlight the need for continued efforts to promote tolerance and understanding.
Family Demands Justice
In a Facebook post, Nhlamulo’s sister, Nonhlanhla Sambo, said her brother was attacked because he spoke Xitsonga. She wrote, “My 19-year-old little brother was stabbed to death on the 31st of May during the xenophobic riots/protests in Western Cape Mossel Bay, his fault was being Tsonga in a Xhosa community, we are deeply hurt as a family about this inhumane act; justice must be served.”
Here are some key facts about the incident:
- Nhlamulo Sambo, 19, was stabbed to death in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay
- The incident occurred on Sunday, May 31
- The family claims the teen was killed in a xenophobic attack
- The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing
