South Africa Police Launch Murder Hunt After Two Mozambican Men Killed in Mossel Bay

South African police have launched a murder investigation after two Mozambican men were shot dead in the coastal town of Mossel Bay on Thursday, sparking fresh concern about the safety of foreign nationals in the Western Cape province.

The victims, identified as José Maluleke, 34, and Fernando Sitoe, 28, were killed at around 9:30 p.m. near the KwaNonqaba informal settlement on the outskirts of the town. Both men had been working as farm labourers in the area for several years, according to community leaders who spoke to local media.

The South African Police Service confirmed officers from the provincial homicide unit had taken over the case. No arrests have been made, and investigators are seeking witnesses to the shooting.

Police Investigation Under Way

Brigadier Riah Ponga, spokesperson for the Western Cape police, told reporters on Friday that detectives were examining CCTV footage from nearby businesses. "We have opened a case of murder and we are actively pursuing several lines of inquiry," she said. The force has offered a R50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunmen.

Detective Sergeant Thando Mthembu, the assigned investigating officer, said the victims had been together when the shooting occurred. "We believe there may have been witnesses along the main road who saw something. We are urging anyone with information to come forward," he added.

Autopsy results are expected to be released by the George forensic laboratory early next week. Police have not confirmed whether the killings are linked to the victims' nationality, though investigators are exploring all possible motives.

Community Reacts With Fear and Outrage

Residents of KwaNonqaba described a climate of fear spreading through the settlement since the bodies were discovered. Maria Chale, a neighbour who knew both men, said they had been well-liked in the area. "José would help anyone. Fernando worked on the same farm for five years. Neither of them had enemies that I knew of," she said.

The Mossel Bay Civic Association held an emergency meeting on Saturday. Chairperson Bento Matsinhe called on the government to act. "We cannot keep burying our community members like this. The police must act urgently to protect everyone who lives here, no matter where they come from," he said.

Local councillor Anthea Julies confirmed the municipality was coordinating with police to increase patrols in affected areas. "We have asked for visible policing in KwaNonqaba, especially at night. People are scared," she told reporters.

Foreign Nationals Face Rising Tensions

The killings have intensified debate about the treatment of migrants in South Africa's smaller towns. An estimated 3,000 Mozambican nationals live and work in the Mossel Bay district, many employed in agriculture, construction, and domestic work.

Human rights groups have long warned that foreign nationals in South Africa face exploitation, discrimination, and violence. A 2023 report by the African Centre for Migration and Society recorded 89 killings of foreign nationals in the Western Cape alone over the previous three years.

Sarah Nkosi, director of the Cape Town-based Solidarity Center for Immigrants, said her organisation had been in contact with the victims' families. "Both men were documented workers with valid permits. This makes the killing even more disturbing. We are demanding answers from the authorities," she said.

Regional Ties and Economic Links

Mossel Bay, a town of roughly 40,000 people on South Africa's southern coast, has long depended on labour from neighbouring countries. Farmers in the area say Mozambican workers fill essential roles that local residents often decline.

Agricultural employers in the region have expressed concern that recent violence could accelerate labour shortages. The South African Fruit Producers Association said its members were monitoring the situation closely. "Our producers rely on committed workers from across the region. Anything that makes people feel unsafe threatens the entire supply chain," spokesperson Werner van Wyk said.

The incident comes three months after similar violence in the Northern Cape province, where two Zimbabwean nationals were killed under comparable circumstances. Police in that case have also made no arrests.

Diplomatic Fallout and Calls for Accountability

The Mozambican High Commission in Pretoria said it was seeking a briefing from South African authorities. A spokesperson confirmed diplomats had contacted the families of both victims and were assisting with repatriation arrangements. "We expect full transparency from the South African government and justice for these men," the mission said in a statement.

Nigerian citizens in South Africa have watched the case with particular attention. Several online forums used by the Nigerian diaspora in the Western Cape circulated calls for solidarity with Mozambican workers. "We see what happens to our brothers from Mozambique and we know it could be any of us," one community member wrote on social media, asking not to be named for safety reasons.

Police have not indicated any link between the Mossel Bay killings and broader criminal networks, though they acknowledged the possibility that the victims were targeted specifically because of their nationality.

What Happens Next

The investigation is being led by the provincial homicide unit in George, roughly 50 kilometres from Mossel Bay. Detectives have appealed for anyone who saw suspicious activity near the KwaNonqaba settlement on Thursday evening to contact Crime Stoppers.

A community safety forum has been scheduled for Thursday, where residents will meet with police commanders and municipal officials. Organisers expect the meeting to draw more than 200 people, reflecting the depth of concern in the area.

For now, the families of both victims are awaiting answers. José Maluleke leaves behind a wife and three children in Gaza province. Fernando Sitoe is survived by his mother and two siblings in Maputo province.