Violence has broken out in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province after protesters set fire to vehicles and buildings reportedly owned by foreign nationals, following the installation of a Nigerian traditional leader in the area.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a Monday report by Newzroom Africa, tensions have escalated in KuGompo City, where demonstrations turned destructive.
“There is escalating violence in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, where protesters torched foreign-owned vehicles and buildings in response to the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional leader as local king, organized by the Nigerian community,” the outlet reported.
Reports indicate that the unrest intensified after demonstrators were allegedly attacked by foreign nationals, with incidents said to include stabbings and a vehicle ramming into a crowd.
The protests were reportedly sparked by the installation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo” on March 24, 2026. Authorities in the Eastern Cape are said to have viewed the move as disrespectful to local traditions and an infringement on local sovereignty.
Witness accounts and reports also warned of potential explosions due to the presence of fuel at the scene, while some protesters were seen vandalising a mosque. Several foreign business owners affected by the violence were reported to be distraught over the destruction of their property.
Eziko, a Nigerian national from the Igbo ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria, gained attention earlier in March after members of the Nigerian and Igbo diaspora in KuGompo, in the East London area of the Eastern Cape, installed him as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London,” which translates roughly to “Igbo King or Leader in East London.”
He has been active within the Nigerian community in the area and is reported to have participated in philanthropic activities, including supporting vulnerable residents and promoting peace and unity among Nigerians living there. Eziko has also held leadership roles within the local Nigerian and Igbo community, including serving as a chairman in parts of the diaspora organisation.
