AbaThembu King, Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for assault, arson, kidnapping and defeating ends of justice, crimes ordered in 1995 and 1996.
The King lost his appeal in the Bloemfontein Court of Appeal after first being sentenced to 15 years in 2009 by a lower court.
The King was convicted for disciplining a group of people by torching their homes; administering corporal punishment and kidnapping the family of a man who failed to present himself before his court.
The king is no stranger to controversy, refusing to attend the funeral in 2013 of the former South African leader Nelson Mandela.
Dalindyebo and Mandela come from the same clan.
It was related to his public spat with President Jacob Zuma, whom he had called “Zulu boy”. He also once said he would only stop smoking marijuana once Mr Zuma stopped being corrupt.
But he has recently apologised to the president by presenting him with a cow.
Dalindyebo is required to report to prison within the next 48 hours.
I’m disappointed because I believe this is political more than what it appears
King Dalindyebo’s spokesperson, Mfundo Bovulengwe, says they’re very disappointed that the King has lost his appeal.
Bovulengwe says he believes this is politically motivated.
“I’m disappointed because I believe this is political more than what it appears, because it happened in 1997 more than seven years and it disappeared. The time he was supporting the ruling party the case disappeared after he joined DA the case came up.”
Meanwhile, United Democratic (UDM) leader, Bantu Holomisa, believes that the AbaThembu clan and AmaDlomo House will have to sit down and plan the way forward.
“The onus now is on the Thembu’s and in particular the Dlomo House to take a decision as to or come up with suggestions on the way forward because the sentencing of King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo is a serious matter given his position. At this point in time, it has to go that route.”