JEFFREYS BAY – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has confirmed that the situation in Jeffreys Bay and the broader Kouga region remains calm, following violent protests on Thursday, 16 July.

Kouga Express reported on 17 July that a March and March protest planned in Ocean View on Thursday turned violent, resulting in the arrest of 69 suspects aged between 18 and 52 on charges of public violence.

“While public order has been restored, foreign-owned spaza shops in the area remain closed as a precautionary measure. Police visibility remains high, with Public Order Policing and Visible Policing units still deployed to deter any further unrest and ensure the safety of all residents,” SAPS said in a statement.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, has directed the district to intensify search-and-seizure operations to recover looted property.

Investigators are also actively probing the role of the march leaders in instigating Thursday’s violence, with the possibility of further arrests as the investigation unfolds.

Clarification has also been issued regarding a house fire that was widely reported in connection with the protests. The structure was not burned as a result of any protest action, but rather due to an electrical fault.

The events of Thursday, 16 July

A total of 69 suspects, aged between 18 and 52, were arrested for public violence, with at least 23 spaza shops looted.

Several foreign nationals were placed in temporary shelter for their safety, and three injured persons were referred for medical treatment.

“We are satisfied with the current calm, but we will not let our guard down. I call on community leaders to continue engaging residents and to cooperate with police in handing over any looted goods. Lawlessness will not be tolerated, and those who break the law will face the full might of justice,” said Ncata.

All arrested suspects remain in custody and are due to appear at the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 July.

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