Violence has erupted in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, following protests against the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional ruler named Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, with demonstrators torching vehicles and looting shops owned by foreign nationals. Similarly, CDR Africa said the unrest reflected growing outrage over the coronation, with foreign-owned properties becoming primary targets. The situation further deteriorated, with eNCA reporting that violence turned deadly after a stabbing incident allegedly involving Ethiopian shop owners. ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair, Athol Trollip, reaffirmed the party’s opposition to the coronation in East London, describing it as unlawful and inconsistent with South Africa’s traditional leadership framework. He said the party stood firmly with recognised traditional authorities, insisting that due process must be followed in matters of cultural and traditional governance.

Source: Punch March 30, 2026 14:39 UTC