CAPE TOWN, March 31 (Xinhua) -- South African authorities have called for calm after a violent protest erupted in KuGompo, formerly known as East London, in the Eastern Cape province on Monday over the alleged coronation of a "Nigerian king."
At the heart of the unrest is a viral video and images circulating on social media showing the so-called crowning of a Nigerian community leader as the "Igwe Ndigbo na East London" (Igbo king in East London), which was condemned by local traditional leaders as a violation of South African sovereignty.
Local media, including public broadcaster SABC, reported that at least 13 people were injured during the unrest, while vehicles were torched and property damaged in parts of the city.
"The protest began as a planned peaceful demonstration by various traditional leaders over the alleged coronation of an Igbo king" and it later turned violent, the Eastern Cape Provincial Police Commissioner's Office said in a statement.
According to police, violence broke out after some participants moved away from the city hall, where a petition was being handed over.
In an updated statement late Monday, police confirmed that 10 vehicles were damaged and one building was partially torched, with no arrests made so far.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane condemned the unrest and urged residents to exercise restraint.
"While we recognize the deep-seated frustrations within communities regarding the recent incident involving immigrants of Nigerian descent, no grievance justifies the destruction of property, intimidation of individuals, or the undermining of the rule of law," he said.
He said authorities were aware of tensions arising from a recent cultural event involving members of the Nigerian community, noting that the Nigerian diplomatic mission had clarified that the event was cultural in nature and not an assertion of territorial sovereignty.
"The provincial government therefore calls on all residents to remain calm and refrain from any acts of violence or vigilantism. Community leaders and civil society organizations are urged to play an active role in de-escalating tensions and promoting social cohesion," he added.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said that it condemned the violence and urged communities to remain calm.
"We strongly condemn the acts of violence, destruction of property and intimidation that have taken place," said Deputy Minister Zolile Burns-Ncamashe.
Authorities said the situation remains under close monitoring, with emergency services and law enforcement maintaining a presence in affected areas. ■
