By Thapelo Molefe and Charmaine Ndlela
Protesters in East London, also referred to as KuGompo City, are demanding the immediate shutdown of an area known as “California,” which they allege is linked to human trafficking and criminal activity involving foreign nationals.
Tensions have escalated rapidly, with the situation spiralling out of control following reports that a South African protester affiliated with the civic group March and March was allegedly stabbed and struck by a vehicle.
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The victim was rushed to the hospital. Information from the ground, provided by reporter Thapelo Molefe, indicates that this incident triggered widespread chaos.
What began as a peaceful march on Monday morning at KuGompo city has since deteriorated into violent clashes, looting, and xenophobic attacks. Shops have been ransacked, vehicles set alight, and confrontations have broken out between groups, including Ethiopians, Somalians, and South Africans.
“45 cars have been damaged, and of that, 15 have been burnt down,” according to reporter Molefe.
Eyewitnesses report that tensions flared further when a group of men allegedly drove into protesters, attacked them, and fled the scene, fueling retaliatory violence.
The protests are also linked to anger over the reported coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, who was given the title “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London” at a ceremony held on 14 March. Organisers described the event as a cultural celebration of Nigerians who have lived in the Eastern Cape for more than 30 years.
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However, the ceremony has sparked outrage among some local leaders and residents.
Prince Xhanti Sigcawu of the Amathole House of Traditional Leaders criticised the move, calling on government to deport those involved, arguing it undermines local traditional authority.
Political parties, including ActionSA and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), along with civic organisations and traditional leaders, joined Monday’s protests, calling for government intervention and action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, Prince Nwobi, president of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, has rejected claims of a “kingship,” stating that Igbo leadership structures in the diaspora are purely cultural.
“There was no installation of a king and there is no invasion,” he said. “What people must understand is that Nigerians in the diaspora seek to organise themselves culturally.”
Law enforcement attempted to disperse crowds, and during the intervention, shots were fired, leaving at least one person injured. Several others sustained injuries amid stampedes and looting incidents.
Reports indicate that mobs are now moving through parts of the city targeting businesses owned by foreign nationals, raising fears of escalating xenophobic violence.
This is a developing story.