South Africa: Protesters burn vehicles and buildings that is owned by foreigners in protest against the installation of a “Nigerian King” in Eastern Cape.
Reportedly, protesters in Eastern Cape, South Africa torched vehicles and buildings on March 31, 2026 that are owned by foreigners. This followed the controversial installation of Nigerian National Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo” on March 24, 2026.
The unrest, concentrated in the California area, where it was fueled by objections to a foreign traditional leadership, i.e. allegedly escalating after stabbings and a vehicle ramming involving the foreign nationals.
The tension aroused when the installation of a “Nigerian King” (Igwe Ndigbo) in East London, Eastern Cape was deemed disrespectful to local traditions and sovereignty. Violence was reported, as protesters targeted foreign-owned businesses and vehicles in the California area.
In response, the authorities and local traditional leaders expressed their outrage and the situation led to injuries that required immediate hospitalisation. The incident further highlighted deep tensions regarding foreign nationals and local governance structures.
The protest was led by the members of ActionSA alongside traditional leaders and residents on Monday. They were initially standing in opposition to what organisers described as a violation of the province’s sovereignty, constitutional order and recognised traditional leadership structures.
However, tensions escalated rapidly in KuGompo City, where the protests turned violent. It forced police to intervene and disperse crowds.
As per the reports, video evidence was also shared on X, that showed protesters setting several vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreigners on fire. While security forces intensified efforts to restore the order.
South African protesters burn vehicles and buildings owned by foreigners in protest against the installation of a “Nigerian King” in Eastern Cape.
🎥 @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/yD0qS153ZY
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) March 30, 2026
As per the sources, this unrest protest reflected the growing outrage over the coronation, with foreign-owned properties that became the primary target. The situation further deteriorated with the violence that turned deadly following a stabbing incident allegedly involving the Ethiopian shop owners. At least two people were taken to the hospital for treatment, while several vehicles were destroyed in the chaos.
ActionSA’s Eastern Cape Chair – Athol Trollip reaffirmed the opposition party to the coronation in East London. This described it as unlawful and inconsistent with South Africa’s traditional leadership framework.
He stated that with the traditional leadership of the Eastern Cape, all the traditional leaders, and the people of the province, let the state clearly see the policy on illegal immigration which is very clear. If you are in this country illegally and commit any offence, you will be sent back home.
This is a sovereign nation. It is our nation, and we are protected by a constitution. Nowhere in our constitution is there a provision for a Nigerian from the Igbo tribe to be crowned as a king in the Eastern Cape, said Trollip.
Beyond that, the utterances made at the coronation are what concern them as a party. They claimed to have established a kingship. Trollip added that the party stood firmly with recognised traditional authorities, insisting that due process must be followed in matters of cultural and traditional governance.