Looted, deserted and closed: Jeffrey’s Bay’s foreign-owned shops remain under guard

Jeffrey’s Bay – Foreign-owned spaza shops in Jeffrey’s Bay townships remain closed following Thursday’s violent protests, despite police restoring public order.

According to SABC News, Authorities say the closures are a precautionary measure while a heavy police presence continues in the area.

A total of 69 people were arrested for public violence and are expected to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday. At least 23 spaza shops were looted during the unrest.

Police have intensified search-and-seizure operations to recover stolen goods and are investigating whether the protest organisers played a role in inciting the violence, with more arrests possible.

“Police visibility remains high, with Public Order Policing and Visible Policing units still deployed to deter any further unrest and ensure the safety of all residents. The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, has directed the district to intensify search-and-seizure operations to recover looted property,” the report quoted police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana as saying.

Authorities also clarified that a house fire reported during the protests was caused by an electrical fault and was unrelated to the unrest.

According to IOL, several foreign nationals affected by the attacks have been moved to temporary accommodation for their safety, while three people injured during the unrest were taken for medical treatment.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata said police would maintain a strong presence across the Kouga region despite calm returning.

“We are satisfied with the current calm, but we will not let our guard down,” Ncata said, urging community leaders to work with police by encouraging residents to hand over looted goods.

Police said investigations into the unrest are continuing, with further arrests possible, while authorities have not yet indicated when the affected spaza shops will be allowed to reopen as security assessments remain ongoing.