Two people who participated in an anti-immigration protest march were arrested in Bredasdorp in connection with incidents arising from the unrest.

The individuals were arrested on the evening of 8 June following a peaceful protest march in Bredasdorp that began earlier on the same day.

“Public Order Police monitored a protest in Bredasdorp on Monday regarding illegal immigrants,” said Sergeant Wessley Twigg, Media Liaison Officer of Western Cape South African Police Service (Saps) in correspondence with Hermanus Times. “We can confirm that an adult male was arrested for incitement of violence and appeared in court.”

Over 200 foreign individuals currently housed in Muncipal facilities

Approximately 214 individuals of foreign nationality are currently being accommodated at the Bredasdorp Community Hall. The foreign nationals are of Zimbabwean, Malawian and Mozambican nationality. Moreover, the Department of Home Affairs is in processes to establish and verify their legal status. This is according to the Cape Agulhas Municipality’s Municipal Manager, Wessel Rabberts in an official public statement.

Memorundum delivered to key Municipal stakeholders

The peaceful march, which was approved by the Cape Agulhas Municipality, had approximately 200 participants who delivered a memorandum to various stakeholders and law enforcers in the Cape Agulhas. The stakeholders included representatives of the Cape Agulhas Municipality, the Department of Home Affairs and the police.

The memorandum raised a number of concerns including: enforcement of immigration laws, local business employment opportunities for local residents, action against drug-related and other criminal activities, enhanced service delivery in poor and underprivileged areas as well as the recruitment and employment of locals by the municipality.

Rabberts confirmed that the memorandum will be addressed and considered by the municipality on matters that fall within its mandate. The matters will then be “referred to the relevant government departments and authorities where they fall outside the Municipality’s area of responsibility,” according to Rabberts.

“The Municipality is, however, deeply concerned by threats and actual incidents of violence, intimidation, looting and damage to property involving foreign nationals that were reported after the conclusion of the march,” Wessels said.

He added that the Municipality is appealing to all residents to “remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their duties”.

“The Municipality will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to maintain public safety and restore stability within the community.”