Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Public Order Police (Pops) have been deployed in Kwanokuthula and officers are monitoring the situation after a group of vigilantes reportedly threatened foreign nationals in the area.

On Monday evening a group of families, including women and children, made their way to the local police station after the vigilante group allegedly went door to door forcing foreigners to leave the area.  

Some foreigners reported that they had been assaulted, thrown out of their homes and forced to leave. It is believed that some of these residents have the necessary documentation and are in South Africa legally. 

A group was also seen marching through the streets chanting for foreigners to leave.

This came after a march on 1 September by KwaNokuthula residents calling on foreigners to leave Kwanokuthula, accusing them of taking local jobs, contributing to a drug scourge in the area and trading illegally. 

The Bitou Municipality and other role players met with the complainants several times to find a solution.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Capt Malcom Pojie said that community members mobilised themselves and tried to intimidate the foreigners to leave.

“Police however stepped in and quelled the situation.”

He said the Pops unit will remain in the area to monitor the situation.

It is believed that police will meet with concerned citizens at 12:00 today, Tuesday 13 September.

Photo: Yolandé Stander