JEFFREYS BAY – The YWAM Church in Jeffreys Bay is assisting 14 documented foreign nationals with repatriation on Sunday, 19 July.
NovaNews reported earlier that SAPS in the Eastern Cape has confirmed that the situation in Jeffreys Bay and the broader Kouga region remains calm. This comes after a March and March protest 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.
SAPS said in a statement that the YWAM Church has purchased bus tickets for 14 individuals:
- Nine are from Zimbabwe
- One is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Four are from Mozambique
These are the remaining foreign nationals who had been placed in temporary shelter following the violent protests on 16 July. A total of 26 foreign nationals were in shelter on 17 July, but 12 left of their own accord to return to their homes they had fled.
SAPS commended the church for its humanitarian efforts and continues to ensure the safety of all affected persons.
The Kouga region, including Jeffreys Bay, remains calm. Police visibility, including Public Order Policing and Visible Policing units, continues to be intensified, and foreign-owned spaza shops remain closed as a precaution.
“We are grateful that calm has held, and we appreciate community and faith-based organisations stepping in to assist those in need. However, we remain firm — any further lawlessness will be met with decisive police action. I call on residents to co-operate with investigators and hand over any looted goods,” said Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile 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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