The King of the Zulu Nation, His Majesty Misuzulu ka Zwelithini has expressed deep concern at the senseless attacks of innocent members of the community who were severely beaten and injured by a mob that was clad in traditional attire, during the 110th Anniversary of King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo on Saturday afternoon.

During the event that took place at KwaCeza Sports field in the Zululand District Municipality, a crowd that masqueraded as AmaButho went on a rampage and attacked unsuspecting children and women, after they appeared to have been rallied up following an incident on stage.

A total of sixteen (16) people, including children and women were injured. Eleven (11) were treated at KwaCeza Hospital and discharged. One however, a 37-year-old woman, was severely beaten and suffered head injuries. She was transferred to Ngwelezane Hospital for specialist care. A further five (5) were treated at Dumbe Hospital and others were seen by doctors as Itshelejuba Hospital.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has revealed that in a telephonic engagement with the King yesterday, His Majesty expressed his discontent at the attacks on his subjects, most of whom were innocent women and children. They had come to join thousands of people on the ground and millions on various platforms, to commemorate the bravery of Isilo SasoSuthu.

His Majesty and the Premier have joined the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, in condemning, in the strongest possible terms this act of violence especially against women. Premier Dube Ncube has called it abhorrent, barbaric and disrespectful to His Majesty, the President and to the nation at large.

“We have worked very hard to rid this province of political intolerance and political violence. We must reject leaders who want to take us back to the pre 2004 era of massacres and violence. The event yesterday in KwaCeza was organized by government on behalf of all South Africans. For people to attack innocent civilians in such an event, is a frontal attack on the state and a declaration of war on our hard-worn constitutional democracy. As such, we call upon the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned to apprehend these dangerous people whose dastardly deeds can cause instability in our province” said Premier Dube-Ncube

The event was addressed by His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Premier and other relevant stakeholders.

The Premier also added that “this brutal act was a spit on the 30 years of freedom we are celebrating today. These innocent people had come to honour the warrior king, a leader who sacrificed everything and suffered untold humiliation as he fought for his people to be free. The attackers themselves are free today because of the bravery of King Dinuzulu and many other leaders that Isilo sasOsuthu worked with like Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme and Dr John Langalibalele Dube” the Premier said.

The Premier urged every peace loving South African to condemn this violence in the strongest possible term. She added that that such attacks, especially on women, perpetuate Gender Based Violence and Femicide and the perpetrators should be brought to book.

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For more information contact the Head of Provincial Government Communications Bongi Gwala on 072 793 4757 or Acting Media Liaison Joseph Cubai on 060 534 4187

ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT