KuGompo protest: Traditional leaders claim foreign nationals taking over local communities

Traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape claim that foreigners are taking over local communities as hundreds of violent protesters set property on fire in KuGompo over the coronation of a Nigerian king.

Monday’s protest march, led by traditional leaders, political parties and civil society, was against the so- called “coronation” of an Igbo king and a member of the local Nigerian community.

But their actions were quickly condemned by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who called on protesters to refrain from any acts of violence or vigilantism.

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Local traditional leaders accuse the organisers of the coronation ceremony of failing to consult and disregarding the country’s sovereignty.

They said Nigerian community leaders should have notified local traditional structures and the Nigerian Embassy.

Chief Xhanti Sigcawu of the Xhosa Royal Family said the coronation undermined laws governing traditions.

“We respect laws. We’ve been in foreign countries. We’ve never undermined anyone’s authority. This event really undermines our authority, and this is a takeover in the manner which we see it.”

Mabuyane’s spokesperson, Sonwabo Mbananga, said the premier condemned protesters who looted shops and damaged property.

“Premier Mabuyane wishes to reaffirm that the Eastern Cape is a province built on the values of human dignity, unity, and respect for the rule of law. Acts that seek to divide communities or incite violence have no place in the Eastern Cape.”

Police said 10 vehicles were damaged, with one partially torched building at the city's North End. No arrests have been made.

COMMUNITY FRUSTRATIONS

March & March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said Monday's violent protest and looting in KuGompo was triggered by the police’s failure to address community frustrations.

She said a protester and community member reported a stabbing during the protest against the coronation of the Nigerian king, allegedly involving a foreign national.

Ngobese-Zuma said it was at that point that protesters started running and approaching foreign-owned shops in the vicinity to find the alleged perpetrator.

She said the march quickly escalated and became violent because there was no action from law enforcement after one of their members was stabbed.

“They tried to alert the police, and the police didn’t seem like they were acting. So people got frustrated with that, and then they started looking for the person who had stabbed this particular person, and I believe this is when the tension actually started rising.”