MEDIA STATEMENT

EMBARGO: Immediate

DATE: 9 June 2026

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PEACEFUL MARCH AND RELATED INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION IN BREDASDORP

Approximately 200 participants took part in an approved peaceful march in Bredasdorp on 8 June 2026. A memorandum was read out in the presence of representatives of the Cape Agulhas Municipality, the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service. The memorandum raised concerns relating to

• Enforcement of immigration laws;
• Local business employment opportunities for local residents;
• Action against drug-related and other criminal activities;
• Provision of serviced sites for backyard dwellers;
• Improved access to sanitation and electricity services, especially in informal settlements;
• Enhanced service delivery in poor and underdeveloped areas;
• Municipal recruitment and employment practices; and
• A moratorium on increases to basic service tariffs

The memorandum will be considered by the Municipality where matters fall within its mandate and referred to the relevant government departments and authorities where they fall outside the Municipality’s area of responsibility.

The march itself was peaceful and orderly, and participants dispersed without incident. The Municipality is, however, deeply concerned by threats and actual incidents of violence, intimidation, looting and damage to property involving foreign nationals that were reported after the conclusion of the march. Such actions are unlawful and cannot be condoned under any circumstances. The South African Police Service has confirmed that two arrests were made in Bredasdorp on the evening of 8 June 2026 in connection with incidents arising from the unrest.

At present, approximately 214 displaced foreign nationals from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are being accommodated at the Bredasdorp Community Hall while the Department of Home Affairs undertakes processes to establish and verify their legal status.

The Municipality appeals to all residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their duties. The Municipality will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to maintain public safety and restore stability within the community.

ENDS

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Wessel Rabbets                                                             

Municipal Manager                                                        

Cape Agulhas Municipality                                          

P O Box 51                                                                      

Bredasdorp

7280