Escalating Anti-Migrant Violence Triggers Fear and Military Deployment in South African Town

Armoured military vehicles and armed troops have been deployed alongside police officers in Ocean View, a township outside the coastal town of Jeffreys Bay, following a surge in anti-migrant violence that left three people wounded and dozens of businesses destroyed.

The unrest marks an expansion of South Africa’s nationwide anti-migrant movement into traditionally calmer coastal communities. Tensions boiled over after local groups conducted door-to-door sweeps demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals.

During the confrontation, looters targeted small convenience stores known locally as spaza shops owned by foreign entrepreneurs. A total of 23 shopkeepers had their businesses ransacked and emptied.

“I could have died,” said Zelalem Tesfaye, a 28-year-old Ethiopian shopkeeper, who described escaping through a rear window as a crowd forced its way into his store.

Community leaders report that the gunfire erupted during clashes between local protesters and individuals defending the shops. While protesters claim the shots were fired by shop defenders, local shopkeepers deny the allegations. Police have launched an investigation into the shooting, confirming that those injured were among the protesters and looters.

The violent outburst in Ocean View reflects a broader wave of xenophobic hostility that has intensified across South Africa in recent months. Fringe groups previously set informal deadlines demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country, resulting in widespread displacement and several reported deaths.

Official estimates indicate that over 150,000 foreign nationals predominantly from neighboring African nations such as Malawi and Zimbabwe have fled the country, many through state-sponsored repatriation efforts organized by their home governments.

Local places of worship have become temporary sanctuaries. One local pastor sheltered dozens of displaced migrants in his church following the recent attacks, having previously accommodated hundreds of displaced Malawian citizens during prior waves of unrest.

Displaced workers described being targeted in their homes and coerced for money. “They told me that if I gave them money, they would tell the others they hadn’t seen me,” recalled Benson Jere, a 36-year-old Zimbabwean worker who lost his home and personal belongings to looters.

Law enforcement officials have detained 69 individuals in connection with the looting and property destruction in Ocean View. Nationwide, police have arrested around 350 people for offences including intimidation, unlawful conduct, and incitement linked to the anti-migrant movement.

Despite the arrests for property crimes, authorities have yet to apprehend any suspects for the shooting, fueling anger and suspicion among residents on both sides of the conflict. Local community representatives expressed frustration over the lack of progress in identifying the shooter, alleging that the delay has left the community on edge.

While an uneasy calm has returned under the heavy presence of riot police and military personnel, deep-seated anxieties remain, leaving both foreign residents and local communities fearful of renewed conflict.