South African police have arrested 69 people following violent anti-immigrant protests in the coastal town of Jeffreys Bay, where demonstrations escalated into widespread looting and left at least one person injured.
Authorities disclosed the development on Friday, saying the unrest occurred in the Eastern Cape province after an anti-immigrant march descended into violence.
According to police, the protest was organised by the anti-migrant group known as March and March.
The demonstration, which was initially intended to express opposition to undocumented migrants, quickly spiralled into disorder as protesters targeted businesses and foreign nationals.
Police confirmed that at least 23 tuck shops were looted during the unrest.
Security operatives also evacuated several foreign nationals from the affected area and moved them to a temporary shelter to guarantee their safety.
A police spokesperson said one individual sustained injuries during the violence and was taken to hospital for treatment.
“Several foreign nationals were placed in a temporary shelter for their safety,” the spokesperson stated.
Police added that the security situation in the town remained volatile despite ongoing efforts to restore order.
“The situation at this stage is still unstable; however, police visibility is intensified,” the statement said.
The latest violence comes amid weeks of growing anti-immigrant protests across South Africa, where undocumented foreign nationals have increasingly become the target of public anger.
The demonstrations have triggered widespread unrest in several parts of the country, forcing thousands of migrants to flee over fears for their safety.
According to an AFP compilation based on figures released by African governments repatriating their citizens, nearly 150,000 people have left South Africa in recent weeks.
Police have previously confirmed that at least four foreign nationals have lost their lives since the anti-immigrant protests began.
However, some African governments involved in evacuation efforts have suggested the actual death toll may be significantly higher.
The protests have been particularly intense in Gauteng province, home to Pretoria and Johannesburg, where groups of protesters armed with sticks reportedly moved from house to house demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
Many protesters accuse foreign nationals of taking employment opportunities away from South Africans and placing additional pressure on public services.
Authorities have continued to crack down on those responsible for acts of violence, intimidation and destruction linked to the protests.
The South African government recently disclosed that approximately 350 people had been arrested as of July 8 for offences including unlawful conduct, intimidation, incitement and other related crimes connected to the nationwide unrest.
Security agencies have vowed to continue enforcing the law while protecting vulnerable communities affected by the violence.
