Jeffreys Bay, South Africa: anti‑migrant violence erupts, 69 arrested

On 16 July 2026 an anti‑migrant protest in the Jeffreys Bay township of South Africa escalated into violent unrest. Armed police and SANDF troops moved through the area, searching homes and vehicles and securing the scene. The disturbance led to the looting of 23 shops owned by foreign nationals, with many stores boarded up afterwards.

A total of 69 participants were arrested and brought before the Humansdorp Magistrates’ Court. Sixty were first‑time offenders and were released on warning; nine with prior convictions were detained pending further investigation. Authorities are probing shootings that injured three protesters, which police say were not caused by security forces. The incident follows a nationwide anti‑migrant campaign that began in June, prompting thousands of foreign nationals to leave the country and raising concerns ahead of upcoming municipal elections.