Protests against the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional ruler named Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko have resulted in violence in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, with demonstrators torching vehicles and looting foreign-owned shops.
On Monday, March 30, members of ActionSA, along with traditional leaders and local residents, led protests against what organisers described as a violation of the province’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and recognised traditional leadership structures.
According to SABC News, tensions quickly increased in KuGompo City as protests turned into violence, forcing police intervention and crowd dispersal. 
According to video evidence on X, protesters set fire to several vehicles and buildings allegedly owned by foreign nationals, while security forces increased efforts to restore order.
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The unrest was triggered by growing outrage over the coronation, with foreign-owned properties becoming primary targets.
The situation worsened, with eNCA reporting that violence turned deadly following a stabbing incident allegedly involving Ethiopian shop owners.
Athol Trollip, ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair, reaffirmed the party’s opposition to the coronation in East London, describing it as illegal and incompatible with South Africa’s traditional leadership structure.
He stated that the party supported recognised traditional authorities and insisted on due process in matters of cultural and traditional governance.
Some protesters issued stark warnings, threatening to escalate their resistance if authorities did not address their concerns.
The protesters had earlier marched through parts of the province, demanding immediate government intervention and warning that failure to act would result in further unrest.
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