A Nigerian woman has described recent attacks on foreign Africans in South Africa as “heartless” as anger grows over violence that followed a controversial coronation in KuGompo.
In a video widely shared online, the woman who refers to herself as Mama Annie 01 on TikTok reacts emotionally to scenes of looting and arson, questioning why Africans are turning against one another.
“This is heartless,” she says.
“These are fellow Africans.”
Her remarks have resonated across social media, particularly among Nigerians, many of whom say the events reflect a recurring pattern.
Coronation sparks unrest
The unrest in KuGompo was triggered by protests over the installation of an Igbo man of Nigerian origin as a local king.
What began as a dispute over leadership quickly escalated into violence, with mobs targeting shops and homes believed to be linked to foreign nationals.
Videos circulating on platforms including TikTok and X show buildings on fire, crowds moving through streets, and residents fleeing with their belongings.
Witnesses describe a night of chaos, with some businesses looted before being set alight.
@fokumlah1 Why are some of you South Africans so heartless? Why are some of you so wicked… so cold? When will this xenophobic attitude end? What kind of hatred makes you hunt your own people like this? Because right now— groups of South Africans are moving shop to shop… Targeting other Africans. Telling them to shut down. Demanding documents. And even when those documents are shown— they’re still beaten. Whipped with canes. Chased with machetes. Let that sink in. Africans… attacking Africans. Not criminals. Not invaders. People trying to survive. Running small businesses. So what exactly is the crime here? Working? Existing? Being from another African country? And let’s stop pretending. Some of you are doing too much. This is not frustration. This is not patriotism. This is straight-up xenophobia. Because if your anger is only directed at other Africans trying to earn a living… Then this is not about unemployment. It’s not about the economy. It’s about choosing the easiest target— and calling it justice. And the real question— Where is the South African government? What exactly is being done to protect other Africans? Why does this keep happening without consequences? Because let’s be honest This level of hostility toward fellow Africans… is not strength. It’s not pride. It’s a failure. Because if Africans become the threat to Africans… then we don’t have an external problem anymore we have an internal one.#africa #southafrica #panafricanism #cyrilramaphosa #juliusmalema @𝐊𝐄𝐋 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 @Telitely @Nil @Sènatòr MENSAH @Rupert @Prince EKO EKOSSO @backthatthangup @AGU T. @Black Orange 🍊 M.P🇿🇦 @Thresh @Frances Cordoms @Francis @southafricannews.co.za ♬ original sound – Mama Annie 01
Authorities respond
South African authorities have condemned the violence and deployed security forces to restore order.
Officials say investigations are under way and have warned that those responsible will be prosecuted.
However, for many observers, the scenes are not new.
A familiar pattern of xenophobic attacks
South Africa has witnessed multiple waves of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, particularly in the years 2008, 2015, and 2019.
In those incidents, dozens of people were killed and thousands displaced, with foreign nationals – often from other African countries – frequently targeted.
READ ALSO: Betrayed Solidarity: Inside South Africa’s Recurring Attacks on Fellow Africans
Analysts say such attacks are often linked to frustration over unemployment, inequality and competition for limited resources.
Foreign-owned businesses, particularly small shops, can become focal points during periods of unrest.
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