Violence has broken out in Eastern Cape Province following protests against the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional ruler, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko.
The demonstrations, led by members of ActionSA alongside traditional leaders and local residents, began as peaceful protests but escalated into unrest in KuGompo City, where vehicles were torched and shops owned by foreign nationals looted.
According to reports, protesters expressed anger over what they described as a violation of South Africa’s constitutional order and recognised traditional leadership structures.
Security forces were deployed to disperse the crowds as the situation spiralled, with video footage circulating online showing burning vehicles and damaged properties allegedly linked to foreign nationals.
Media outlets, including SABC News, reported that the unrest intensified after a stabbing incident allegedly involving Ethiopian shop owners, leaving at least two people hospitalised.
Speaking on the development, ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair, Athol Trollip, maintained that the party opposed the coronation, describing it as unlawful and inconsistent with the country’s traditional governance system.
He said the party stood with recognised traditional authorities and insisted that due process must be followed in matters relating to cultural leadership.
Some protesters issued strong warnings, threatening to escalate the situation if authorities fail to intervene, with calls from certain quarters for the deportation of Nigerians linked to the coronation.
The unrest highlights growing tensions around issues of identity, traditional authority and the presence of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, where similar protests have previously sparked concerns over xenophobic violence.
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