Calm has returned to Jeffreys Bay and the Kouga region following violent anti-immigrant protests that erupted earlier this week.The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that Public Order Policing and Visible Policing units remain in the area to prevent further unrest and reassure residents.The protests, which began in Oceanview, escalated into looting and public violence, targeting at least 23 foreign-owned spaza shops.A total of 69 individuals, aged between 18 and 52, have been arrested on charges of public violence and are expected to appear in court on July 20.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata has directed intensified search-and-seizure operations to recover stolen property, with investigators also examining the role of protest leaders.

Foreign nationals affected by the attacks have been placed in temporary accommodation for safety, while three injured individuals received medical attention.Authorities clarified that a house fire reported in the area was caused by an electrical fault and not linked to the protests.Police presence remains heightened, with additional officers deployed to monitor the region.

Ncata emphasized that while calm has been restored, the police will maintain a strong presence and urge community leaders to cooperate in recovering looted goods.

The unrest in Jeffreys Bay is part of a broader wave of anti-immigration protests across South Africa, with the reopening of affected spaza shops pending security assessments.