EFF calls for arrests after KuGompo violence over Igbo king

The Economic Freedom Fighters has called for the arrest of everyone involved in the violence that broke out during a protest in KuGompo City, saying those responsible should also be held liable for damages.

The protest on Monday was against the reported coronation of Nigerian national chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo Na East London. The demonstration later turned chaotic, with shops looted and vehicles set alight.

In a statement, the EFF condemned both the alleged coronation and the violence. The party said it has instructed its structures in the Buffalo City metropolitan area to monitor the situation and provide assistance to South Africans whose property was damaged.

The EFF also criticised the government for failing to clearly communicate the legal process for recognising traditional leaders. The party said a responsible government should have outlined the rules timeously to avoid violence.

The party said the recognition of kings and queens falls under the department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs and must follow legal processes. It added that for an individual to be recognised as a traditional authority, the minister must make recommendations to the president, with recognition officialised through a Government Gazette.

The EFF said it found the coronation offensive and illegal, especially for a foreign national to declare kingship in South Africa. The party said kingship is tied to the country’s legislative framework and should not be taken lightly or declared without legal authority.

The EFF urged calm and called on government and traditional leaders to provide clarity on the recognition of royalty. The party also condemned political parties and actors involved in the destruction of property, saying they were trying to score cheap political points.

Police said the demonstration began as a peaceful gathering led by traditional leaders. Protesters assembled at city hall to hand over a memorandum, but the situation escalated when some participants broke away.

Police confirmed that 10 vehicles were damaged and one building in the North End business area was partially set on fire. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made. Emergency services and public order policing units were deployed. There were unconfirmed reports of a stabbing during the unrest.

The protest was led by ActionSA, with the party opposing the alleged coronation. ActionSA parliamentary caucus leader Athol Trollip said the violence undermined the purpose of the march, adding that the situation turned violent after a marcher was stabbed.

Deputy cooperative governance and traditional affairs minister Zolile Burns-Ncamashe condemned the torching of property and violence, saying the right to protest is protected but destruction would not be tolerated.

ATM leader Vuyo Zungula suggested criminal elements had hijacked the demonstration. He said peaceful protests have been held for a long time without such destruction, and that the violence in KuGompo exposed a lack of state capacity in managing public order and illegal immigration.