Probe media over xeno violence: king

King Goodwill Zwelithini

King Goodwill Zwelithini

Published Apr 20, 2015

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Durban - Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini has lashed the media and urged the SA Human Rights Commission to investigate it for its role in the deadly xenophobic attacks.

Zwelithini said this was while addressing the crowd during a hastily arranged Imbizo at the Moses Mabhida stadium today on the the ongoing xenophobic attacks.

About 10 000 people descended on the stadium to listen to the king address them on the disparaging remarks he made last month during a moral regeneration event in Pongola were he requested that foreigners leave the country.

Earlier pocket of group gyrated and danced while chanting across the stadium. The crowd was at times unruly, adamant that “foreigners must leave” and “when are they leaving?” They accused foreign nationals of wrecking havoc in their communities.

Zwelithini, in his 30 minute long speech, called for peace and “respect for human life”.

He pleaded with the SAHRC to speed up its investigation into his now controversial remarks.

He thanked those who helped when “some” wanted to destruct his nation’s “good relationship the continent.

Among dignitaries at the event, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthulezi received the warmest reception while home affair minister Malusi Gigaba was booed. Clergymen who opened the days proceeding were jeered and prompting MC Mike Mabuyakhulu to call for calm, whereupon he was also dismissed.

Premier Senzo Mchunu was not spared as he urged communities to better vent their frustrations, and not through violence.

The Mercury

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