HUMANSDORP – The case against 69 people arrested following violent anti-immigrant protests in Ocean View, Jeffreys Bay, has been postponed to 23 October for further investigation after the accused appeared in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on 20 July and were released on bail.

As previously reported, a March and March protest planned in Ocean View on 16 July turned violent, resulting in the arrest of 69 suspects aged between 18 and 52 on charges of public violence.

During the protest, at least 23 spaza shops were looted, several foreign nationals were placed in temporary shelter for their safety, and three injured people were referred for medical treatment.

Police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy said that, following their court appearance, the 69 suspects were released on bail on condition that they do not become involved in public unrest or protest action.

“No further information can be disclosed due to the sensitivity of the investigation,” said McCarthy.

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

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said investigators are also actively probing the role of the march leaders in instigating the violence on 16 July, with the possibility of further arrests as the investigation unfolds.

She said clarification had 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 the protest action, but rather due to an electrical fault,” said Gantana.

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