Sixty-nine people appeared in court on Monday after last week's violent anti-migrant protests in Jeffreys Bay that left 23 shops looted. Calm has since returned to the affected communities.
The accused made their first appearance at the Humansdorp Magistrates’ Court on 20 July 2026 on charges of public violence and trespassing linked to the protests on 16 July. Sixty first offenders were released on warning while nine others with prior convictions remain in custody. The case was postponed to 23 October.
Kouga Mayor Hattingh Bornman condemned the looting and violence, stating there is no justification for lawlessness. He thanked police and other agencies for restoring order in Ocean View, Pellsrus and Madiba Bay.
Residents expressed mixed views. One foreign shop owner said most locals welcomed the businesses while another resident called the arrested protesters heroes standing up for South Africans.
