Cape Town – The Presidency on Monday confirmed that it had received a request from the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) to grant a presidential pardon to AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
The king is currently serving a serving a 12-year sentence on charges relating to kidnapping, assault, arson and defeating the ends of justice.
Read: The jailing of a king
In a statement, the Presidency said: “President Jacob Zuma has referred to the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, a letter and petition received from the Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson of Contralesa, Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyane, requesting that President Zuma considers granting His Majesty King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of abaThembu a Presidential Pardon.
“The President has duly forwarded the petition and letter to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services for further processing as the Department responsible for such applications.
“Upon completion of all the internal processes, the Minister will submit the King’s application for pardon to the President for a decision.”
African News Agency
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