Tension has erupted in KuGompo, formerly known as East London, after a protest over an alleged Igbo king coronation turned violent.
The situation quickly escalated, leaving several vehicles destroyed and emergency services overwhelmed.
The Igbo king coronation protest took a dramatic turn on Monday afternoon when protesters clashed with authorities.
Police confirmed that at least 10 vehicles were torched and damaged during the chaos. Moreover, a building in the North End area was partially set ablaze, further intensifying fears among residents.
Meanwhile, officers were forced to intervene as the situation worsened. Shots were fired to disperse the crowd, and additional units were deployed to restore order. Emergency responders, including firefighters and the Public Order Policing Unit, were seen managing the crisis on the ground.
However, protest organisers have offered a different perspective on how events unfolded. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March and March movement, stated that the protest was initially peaceful. According to her, demonstrators had gathered near East London City Hall to submit a petition.
She explained that violence erupted only after a disturbing incident occurred. She alleged that two marchers were attacked during the protest.
“They handed over a petition near the East London City Hall,” she said, adding that the situation changed after the alleged attack.
Furthermore, she claimed that the victims were stabbed and run over by a vehicle. The injured protesters were quickly taken to the hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
In addition, this unrest appears to be linked to broader frustrations seen in recent weeks. Just days earlier, similar protests were held in Durban by the same movement. These demonstrations called for stricter laws targeting undocumented foreign nationals operating businesses in township areas.
During those protests, tensions had already been rising. A suspected foreign national was chased by a group, prompting police intervention. Officers had to escort the individual to safety, as objects were thrown at them by protesters.
Consequently, stun grenades were deployed to disperse the crowd as it moved toward the ANC provincial headquarters.
The alleged installation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as an Igbo leader in the region has sparked debate and strong reactions.
Authorities are yet to fully address the claims surrounding the coronation. Meanwhile, calm is gradually being restored, although tensions remain high.
