On 07 September 2016, group of 80 000 people gathered outside Bisho demanding an end to Brigadier Joshua ‘Oupa’ Gqozo's military rule and the re-absorption of the so-called black homeland into South Africa. When the marchers tried to cross Ciskei Defence Force lines from Transkei to enter Bisho, Gqozo’s soldiers were instructed to open fire. Gqozo remained in power in Ciskei but resigned shortly before the elections of 27 April 1994.