Violence erupts: 69 arrested as 23 spaza shops looted in Jeffreys Bay anti-immigrant unrest

Violence erupted in Jeffreys Bay on Thursday as 69 individuals were arrested following the looting of 23 spaza shops during an anti-immigrant demonstration. The incident occurred during a protest organized by the group March and March, which had planned to gather in Oceanview. Police confirmed that the peaceful demonstration turned violent, leading to widespread looting and chaos. According to Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, a police spokeswoman, the protest took place on Thursday morning and quickly escalated into disorder. Those arrested ranged in age from 18 to 52 and are facing charges related to public violence. Gantana noted that further arrests could occur as the investigation continues. At least 23 spaza shops were targeted, with several foreign nationals requiring temporary shelter for their safety due to the unrest. One individual sustained injuries and was hospitalized as a result of the violence. The arrested individuals are scheduled to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Gantana emphasized that the current situation remains unstable, although police presence has been increased in the area. Additional law enforcement resources have been deployed in the Kouga region to manage the ongoing crisis. Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata stated that manpower has been bolstered in the district, urging local leaders to encourage responsible behavior among residents. This incident is part of a broader national campaign against immigration that has persisted for weeks. March and March has pledged to hold demonstrations every Thursday until the government implements stricter border control measures and takes action against undocumented migrants. The movement’s leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, addressed a large crowd in Durban on June 30, setting a self-imposed deadline for undocumented migrants to depart the country. Around that time, over 900 people were arrested nationwide. In Alexandra, one person was killed during the looting of foreign-owned spaza shops, while two others, including a 17-year-old, were injured in a shooting in Hillbrow that led to the deployment of soldiers. Prior to June 30, Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced a R600 million police operation, with South African Police Services (SAPS) deployed across all nine provinces. The campaign has expanded beyond Jeffreys Bay, reaching areas such as Garankuwa, Mthwalume, KuGompo City, and Olievenhoutbosch, where organizers have targeted both documented and undocumented foreign traders. According to an AFP tally based on data from African countries that have repatriated their citizens, nearly 150,000 people have left South Africa in recent weeks. The SA Spaza and Tuck-Shop Association expressed concern over the lack of contingency plans to replace the thousands of foreign-owned spaza shops should they be forced to close. This highlights the potential economic impact of the ongoing anti-immigrant protests. Residents of Jeffreys Bay had previously participated in marches under the “Abahambe” banner, which translates to “they must go,” in anticipation of the June 30 deadline. The escalating tensions reflect deep-seated concerns among some communities regarding the presence of foreign nationals and the perceived strain on local resources. As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the need for adherence to legal boundaries and responsible conduct from all parties involved.