They took his life brutally, like an animal.

The mother of murdered Limpopo teenager Nhlamulo Sambo suspects her son was stabbed to death in Mossel Bay over the weekend due to his ethnicity as a Tsonga.

However, the preliminary investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) indicates that the 19-year-old was confronted during an alleged burglary attempt.

Nhlamulo’s lifeless body was discovered early in the morning of Sunday, 31 May 2026, in the New Rest informal settlement of KwaNonqaba, following the murder of two Mozambican nationals during a surge of anti-migrant violence that weekend.

His mother, Patricia Sambo, shared the accounts she received about the moments before her son’s death, highlighting a family shattered by sorrow and trying to comprehend the reasons for his murder.

According to her, another boy who was allegedly with Nhlamulo during the incident later informed the family he had hidden behind a door, while Nhlamulo had reportedly concealed himself near a cupboard.

However, the police assert that this version is not accurate.

In an interview with Eden FM, she stated: “When that boy came here, he [allegedly] said he was behind the door. My boy was hiding [allegedly] somewhere near a cupboard. So, I don’t know what really happened.”

“The other boy was [allegedly] untouched because he is Xhosa. My son, [allegedly] being Tsonga from Limpopo, was killed.”

“I’m profoundly hurt. To kill my son like an animal. I am deeply pained.”

Authorities have since apprehended a 23-year-old man as the investigation into the fatal stabbing continues.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa stated that the breakthrough occurred after detectives diligently followed leads since the incident.

Potelwa remarked: “Investigations into the murder of a 19-year-old in KwaNonqaba on Sunday morning have yielded results with the arrest of a 23-year-old man on Tuesday evening in the vicinity.”

Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile explained: “A 15-year-old who was with the deceased and reportedly hid inside the shack said they entered with the intent to take some items.

“They were confronted by the owner of the shack upon his return. The owner then chased the deceased and fatally stabbed him.”