3 dead in EC revenge attacks amid tensions between locals and foreign nationals

An Eastern Cape municipality and the police have called for calm in Addo after violent revenge attacks between local residents and foreign nationals claimed three lives.

A violent altercation allegedly broke out between local residents from the Valencia area in Addo and foreign nationals on Sunday night and on Monday.

The alleged revenge attacks claimed the lives of three people and left about 10 injured.

Revenge attack claims 3 lives, 10 injured

According to the Eastern Cape South African Police Service (Saps), community members took to the streets and reportedly attacked foreign nationals in the area.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the attack started after an alleged fight resulted in the death of a South African man on Sunday night.

ALSO READ: Johannesburg Water condemns attacks on staff and vandalism of infrastructure

“It is believed that these unlawful acts of revenge attacks began with an incident in which a local resident was allegedly murdered following a fight between a group of local residents and foreign nationals outside a tavern on Saturday, 24 May 2025,” Nkohli said in a statement on Monday.

Reports indicate that other community members mobilised and then randomly attacked local foreigners.

The police said the situation was under control on Monday.

More police deployed

The acting provincial police commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, has deployed additional members from various specialised units. Nkohli said the members are maintaining a heavy police presence in the area.

Police are investigating a murder (four counts) case and an attempted murder case (ten counts).

ALSO READ: Brazen and brutal: Elderly couple in shock Plett street attack [VIDEO]

The arrests are imminent.

“Kupiso is appealing for calm and further urged community leaders to assist with the engagement,” Nkohli said.

Meanwhile, the Sundays River Valley Municipality urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and let the authorities handle matters of violence and crime.

Municipality calls for calm

“Sundays River Valley Municipality is calling for calm amid violent actions in Addo,” the municipality said in a statement.

The Saps and municipality called a community meeting for Monday evening at 5 p.m. at Valencia Community Hall to engage the community members, resolve their concerns, and ultimately restore peace in the area.

NOW READ: Attack on Amapanyaza won’t be tolerated, says committee [VIDEO]