Iconic Gugulethu shisa nyama spot Mzoli’s Place was partially burnt on Monday during housing protests in the area. According to News24, neighbouring shops – including a new branch of Pick n Pay – were looted and vandalised, and a woman’s car was burnt.

In a video posted on Twitter, eNCA journalist Athi Mtongana showed the burnt shopfront of the butchery, and people cleaning up the debris left by the fire. Mzoli’s daughter Sisanda Mangele reportedly said that there was not much damage inside.

Mzoli’s daughter, Sisanda Mangele who has taken over from her dad during these mop up operations says a group of residents stormed the street and started burning tyres. Not much damage inside. #GugsProtest pic.twitter.com/Qw3Te0lDk1

— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) February 26, 2018

The restaurant itself could not be reached for comment or to confirm the level of damage to the interior.

#Gugulethu…Our beloved #Mzoli is burnt to the ground… pic.twitter.com/DRGBmYe4IJ

— Tshegofatso Kole (@Tckole1) February 26, 2018

GroundUp initially reported protests on Sunday, when Gugulethu residents – angry about the lack of housing – blocked the N1 with a bus shelter, bricks and burning tyres. Today, residents met with the Mayor over land they wish to occupy. Police are still on high alert in the area. Meanwhile, Twitter users expressed their devastation at the damage to the iconic restaurant.

#Mzoli
I don’t understand. Mzoli has created thousands of jobs but “OUR PEOPLE” destroy his place and tomorrow when the tourists remain in the CBD, people will claim lies. Hurt beyond tears. pic.twitter.com/CucRF6Mtg2

— Unathi Sonwabile Henama (@UnathiHenama) February 26, 2018

Stay tuned for updates on the restaurant.