KuGompo City, Eastern Cape – A protest that began peacefully in KuGompo City on 30 March 2026 quickly descended into chaos as demonstrators clashed with police and targeted vehicles and businesses. The march, organized to protest the coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as **Igwe Ndigbo Na East London**, turned violent after reports emerged that a marcher had been stabbed, allegedly by foreign nationals.
According to witnesses, the protest initially followed a planned route through the city streets, with participants voicing their discontent over the recent coronation. The atmosphere changed dramatically when a marcher was attacked. Amabutho leader Phakelumthakathi confirmed that a South African had been stabbed by a group described by some as Nigerian and by others as Ethiopian. This incident reportedly triggered a wave of anger among the protesters, leading to widespread unrest.
In response, South African Police Service (SAPS) officers deployed to the scene fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Demonstrators, frustrated and enraged, began throwing rocks at parked vehicles and set two cars alight. Businesses in the area were also targeted, with looters taking advantage of the disorder. Police moved from street to street to prevent the escalation of violence and ensure that the protesters did not regroup.
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The stabbing incident left one marcher hospitalized, while another individual sustained injuries amid the chaos. Social media reports suggested that multiple foreign nationals were involved in confrontations with the South African protesters, though details remain unverified. Despite the turbulence, the protest organisers attempted to regain control, pausing speeches and seeking to calm the crowd.
The coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko has sparked tensions in KuGompo City, with some residents opposing the installation of a foreign leader in the region. The **Amathole House of Traditional Leaders** has publicly acknowledged the coronation, but many locals remain dissatisfied, citing cultural and civic concerns.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as marchers ran through the streets, damaging vehicles and throwing debris. One resident shared that they discovered their car had been vandalized during the protests, highlighting the personal impact of the unrest. An Eastern Cape butchery was also reportedly looted amid the turmoil.
Journalist Byron Pillay, who has covered South African politics, crime, and social issues for over a decade, reported on the unfolding situation, emphasizing the rapid deterioration of the protest. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, aiming to prevent further violence and maintain order in the city.
This incident underscores the delicate balance between the right to protest and the responsibility to maintain public safety. As investigations continue, police and city officials face growing pressure to address both the immediate unrest and the underlying tensions surrounding the coronation of Chief Eziko.
Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and avoid areas where protests may flare up. The Eastern Cape community remains on high alert as authorities work to restore calm in KuGompo City.
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