Law enforcement officials in South Africa confirmed on Friday that 69 individuals were taken into custody following an anti-migrant rally in Jeffreys Bay that erupted into looting. The unrest, which occurred in the Eastern Cape province and was coordinated by the group March and March, resulted in at least one hospitalization and the looting of 23 local shops. Authorities have relocated several foreign nationals to secure temporary housing for protection as the region remains volatile.
This incident is part of a broader wave of anti-immigrant unrest that has persisted for several weeks across the nation. Reports indicate that nearly 150,000 foreign nationals have departed South Africa recently to return to their home countries. While police data links at least four deaths to this campaign, other sources suggest the toll may be higher. In provinces like Gauteng, groups have reportedly targeted residences to demand that immigrants leave, citing job competition as their primary grievance. Officials have documented at least 350 arrests since early July related to illegal acts, intimidation, and public incitement.
