Police have confirmed that 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo was stabbed to death following an altercation with another man in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, contradicting widespread social media claims that he was targeted for speaking Tsonga.
According to Western Cape police, officers were called to the scene on 31 May and found Sambo with a stab wound to the chest. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Police say a single suspect fled the scene and has not yet been arrested. The investigation remains ongoing.
The latest police statement is likely to fuel debate around claims that circulated online in the days following Sambo's death, with some activists and political figures linking the incident to tensions surrounding anti-illegal immigration protests.
At this stage, police have not indicated that language, ethnicity, or political activity played any role in the killing.
Authorities are continuing their search for the suspect and have urged anyone with information to come forward.