Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of KuGompo city in South Africa on Wednesday, calling for the shutdown of a nightclub allegedly associated with Nigerian nationals.
The protest targeted California Tavern, an establishment accused by participants of being a hub for illicit drug activities. March organisers, including Nondumiso Tyiso, alleged that narcotics were being openly traded at the venue, raising concerns among residents about safety and law enforcement.
The latest demonstration comes on the heels of earlier protests led by anti-immigrant movement Operation Dudula. Those protests, held the previous week, were reportedly sparked by controversy surrounding the installation of a Nigerian figure as a “king” in Buffalo City.
Tensions escalated during the earlier unrest, with reports of looting targeting Somali-owned shops and incidents of vehicles being set ablaze. The violence heightened fears among immigrant communities, many of whom opted to shut down their businesses in KuGompo’s central district on Wednesday to avoid potential attacks.
Security was significantly reinforced as police maintained a visible presence across the city to deter violence. Protesters, however, remained resolute, stating their intention to formally submit a memorandum to the landlord of the building housing the nightclub.
A brief standoff occurred when demonstrators attempted to force their way into the Belgrave Hotel, where California Tavern operates. Police intervened swiftly, preventing access and dispersing the crowd to avoid escalation.
According to Hazel Mqala, spokesperson for the KuGompo city police, officers were deployed primarily to safeguard lives and property. She noted that law enforcement had previously seized illegal substances during routine patrols in the area, underscoring ongoing concerns about criminal activity.
“We have a responsibility to protect everyone,” Mqala stated, emphasizing the police’s role in maintaining order amid rising tensions.
In a follow-up statement, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana of the South African Police Service confirmed that officers had to disperse “opportunistic criminal elements” during the protest. She disclosed that stun grenades and rubber bullets were used in limited instances to restore control.
Gantana also revealed that one individual had been arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer and is expected to be arraigned in court. Additionally, authorities have opened 11 criminal cases linked to the violence recorded during the previous week’s protests, with two suspects already in custody.
Amid mounting pressure and public scrutiny, the management of the Belgrave Hotel later announced the closure of California Tavern, a move seen as an attempt to defuse tensions and restore calm in the area.
