AbaThembu Kingdom Distances Itself from Violent East London Protests, Slams Intelligence Failures

The Royal Kingdom of AbaThembu has distanced itself from the violent protests that erupted in Gompo City (East London) today, Monday, 30 March, while sharply criticising the Eastern Cape government, intelligence agencies, and police for failing to prevent the unrest.

The protests, organised by the civic group March and March along with political parties including ActionSA, were triggered by outrage over the recent coronation of Nigerian national Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London”.

What started as a march from the beachfront to City Hall turned violent after a stabbing incident, resulting in damaged vehicles, torched buildings, and looting.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela, personal spokesperson to King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo, the kingdom reaffirmed its support for peaceful protest but condemned “any form of lawlessness and criminal conduct.” It stressed that neither the King nor the royal council organised or participated in the march any attendees did so in their personal capacity.

The statement questioned what steps Premier Oscar Mabuyane and intelligence structures took after the march was announced. “If the country has intelligence capabilities, why were early warnings not acted upon to prevent the violence and looting?” it asked.

The AbaThembu Kingdom also raised concerns about possible rogue elements enabling the chaos due to the “boldness and coordination” of the looters. It plans to engage the Nigerian Consulate over the coronation, stating firmly: “The Eastern Cape is not an annexure or colony of any foreign nation.”

The kingdom expressed solidarity with the AmaRharhabe people, on whose ancestral land Gompo City falls under King Jonguxolo Vululwandle Sandile, and called for urgent government answers to restore public confidence.