229 Arrested as Eastern Cape Marches Remain Largely Peaceful

The Eastern Cape remained largely calm on Tuesday, 30 June, despite 28 marches taking place across the province as part of demonstrations linked to illegal immigration and related concerns.

According to the South African Police Service, a total of 229 arrests were made during operations across the province. Of these, 208 involved undocumented foreign nationals, while 21 arrests were linked to criminal activities connected to the protests.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata began the day with a morning parade and media briefing in KuGompo before conducting an aerial patrol over the Buffalo City District to monitor developments.

The largest marches were reported in Bizana, Lusikisiki, Flagstaff and Mthatha, with police saying gatherings were largely peaceful.

Some unrest was recorded in areas including KwaNompumelelo, Ducats, Duncan Village, Bizana and Lusikisiki, where police intervened and contained incidents.

Among the criminal arrests were six suspects arrested in Bhisho for allegedly looting two spaza shops, six in Tabankulu for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop, two in Stutterheim following the looting of a spaza shop and one arrest in Alexandria for alleged incitement to commit violence.

Police also arrested three suspects in Humewood on charges including fraud, possession of counterfeit goods and allegedly assisting undocumented foreign nationals. Authorities said cash, counterfeit soccer jerseys and computer equipment were confiscated during the operation, while 76 undocumented foreign nationals were detained at the premises for alleged fraudulent documentation offences.

Two additional suspects were arrested in Kwadwesi for attempted robbery.

SAPS said operations continue across the province and warned that criminal behaviour during protests would not be tolerated, with heightened policing remaining in place in identified hotspots. The report is based on information released by Eastern Cape SAPS and may be updated should further information become available.