KuGompo Erupts: Cars Torched And Buildings Burn As ‘Nigerian Igwe’ Coronation Sparks Violent Protests

Violence erupted in East London, also known as KuGompo City, on Monday after a protest against the alleged coronation of a Nigerian national as king spiralled out of control.

What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly descended into chaos, with vehicles set alight, property vandalised and police deploying teargas to disperse crowds.

KuGompo Protest Turns Violent as Vehicles Torched

Authorities confirmed that the unrest escalated after demonstrators moved away from the initial gathering point near the city hall.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said: “The protest began as a planned peaceful demonstration by various traditional leaders over the alleged coronation of an Igbo king.

“Violence broke out when some participants moved away from the city hall, where a petition was being handed over.

[WATCH] Protesters have torched vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreign nationals in protest against the installation of a Nigerian king in the Eastern Cape. @Sipha_KemaSA reports pic.twitter.com/g5lH1nNKu3

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 30, 2026

“Twelve vehicles have been damaged, and several buildings have been torched.

“Emergency services, including the fire department, remain on the scene, along with the Public Order Policing Unit.

“This is an active scene, and updates information will be shared in due course.”

Firefighters and law enforcement remain deployed as efforts continue to contain the situation.

Stabbing Incident Adds to Tensions

Amid the unrest, a man was allegedly stabbed in the back and rushed to hospital. Police indicated that the victim was not part of the protest.

“The stabbed person is not linked to the march,” Gantana said.

However, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma claimed on social media that the injured individual was one of her members and alleged that he had also been knocked down by a vehicle.

Political Parties and Traditional Leaders Reject ‘Coronation’

The protest followed widespread circulation of videos showing Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko reportedly being crowned “Igwe Ndigbo” in the city.

Several organisations, including ActionSA and Patriotic Alliance, joined the demonstration, criticising the ceremony as unlawful.

ActionSA Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip said: “We do not support that.

“We support the existing local kings in the Eastern Cape, of which we have five, and no Nigerian kings.”

Marchers retaliated against illegal foreigners after a group of illegal Nigerians stabbed a South African man in East London (Ku Gompo) who was watching the march. #Abahambe pic.twitter.com/KxZYC2rETt

— B-U-4-SAs (@Siya_Hlohla) March 30, 2026

Patriotic Alliance spokesperson Steve Motale added: “We condemn that fake coronation.

“We are happy that even the Nigeria High Commissioner in SA has also condemned it.”

Meanwhile, the AbaThembu Royal House distanced itself from claims that King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo had endorsed the coronation.

Royal advisor Matthew Mpahlwa dismissed the reports, saying they came from “sick and depraved minds”.