MOSSEL BAY, Western Cape — South African law enforcement agencies have escalated their presence and operational activities in Mossel Bay and select regions nationwide, Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane confirmed Wednesday. The deployment aims to restore stability, uphold public order, and ensure the safety of all residents.
The intensified response follows the tragic killing of Nhlamulo Sambo. While early speculation suggested his death was connected to protests targeting undocumented migrants, investigators have found no evidence linking the murder to xenophobia, tribalism, anti-immigration sentiment, or Sambo’s identity as a Tsonga-speaking South African citizen.
“We are actively investigating all criminal acts related to these incidents, and those responsible will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts,” Dimpane stated during a National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) briefing held in Mossel Bay.
Dimpane emphasized that while citizens have the right to voice concerns, such expression must remain peaceful and lawful. “No grievance, no matter how strongly felt, justifies violence, intimidation, assault, the destruction of property, looting, or threats against any person or community,” he said. “We cannot allow criminal elements to hijack legitimate concerns and turn them into acts of lawlessness.”
NATJOINTS, the coordinating body for South Africa’s security apparatus, will continue to provide detailed updates on security conditions, operational strategies, and protective measures for all people residing in the country.
Constitutional Authority and Coordinated Response
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Chairperson of NATJOINTS, reinforced that the South African government maintains firm control over the national security landscape. She stressed that all policing, intelligence, and security entities are operating in unified coordination to protect lives, safeguard property, uphold the Constitution, and enforce laws impartially.
“South Africa is governed by the Constitution and the rule of law, not by intimidation, violence, ultimatums, or mob justice,” Mosikili asserted. She clarified that no individual, group, or organization holds the authority to enforce laws independently, conduct unauthorized operations, intimidate communities, target people based on nationality, or implement immigration measures outside the legal framework.
“The responsibility for maintaining public order, combating crime and enforcing immigration legislation rests exclusively with duly authorised law enforcement agencies acting within the confines of the Constitution and the law,” she added.
Over the past week, coordinated law enforcement actions have yielded tangible results:
- Free State: 166 arrests linked to public violence and associated criminal activity
- Western Cape: Five suspects detained in connection with incidents involving violence and intimidation
Mosikili praised investigative teams for the rapid apprehension of a suspect in connection with Sambo’s murder, noting that the swift action reflects SAPS’s dedication to ensuring violent offenders face judicial accountability.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding Sambo’s death, Mosikili reiterated that current police information does not connect his killing to the recent local unrest. She urged the public to avoid speculation and the dissemination of unverified claims, allowing investigators to proceed without interference.
Immigration Enforcement and Legal Consequences
Mosikili also provided updated figures on immigration-related enforcement. In the last three weeks alone, more than 5,000 individuals were arrested for violating the Immigration Act. Since January 1, 2026, nationwide operations have led to the detention of 34,798 undocumented foreign nationals. During the previous financial year, 76,588 such arrests were recorded.
“These arrests send a clear message that those who incite violence, encourage vigilantism, threaten communities, destroy property or undermine public order will face the full consequences of the law,” Mosikili stated.
NATJOINTS formally condemned the recent violent episodes in Mossel Bay, which resulted in the tragic loss of two lives during activities linked to anti-foreigner demonstrations. “We will not tolerate any attempt to destabilise communities, threaten national stability, disrupt economic activity or challenge the authority of the democratic State,” she affirmed.
Mosikili reminded the public that foreign nationals who enter, remain, or work in South Africa without legal authorization are in breach of the Immigration Act and subject to arrest, detention, and deportation processes as prescribed by law.
Through sustained multidisciplinary efforts involving the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, and other enforcement bodies, thousands of undocumented individuals continue to be identified, processed, and repatriated in accordance with legal procedures.
Operations such as Operation Shanela and other targeted interventions continue to produce significant outcomes in addressing illegal immigration, organized crime, cross-border criminal networks, and related offenses, Mosikili concluded.