Assault case delayed again as Dalindyebo petitions NPA boss
The assault case against AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has been postponed yet again for him to make representations to National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi to have the charges against him dropped.
Dalindyebo appeared in the Mthatha magistrate’s court on Friday for the case, dating back to March 2020 when he allegedly assaulted his son Azenathi and his family, wielding a machete and axe, at the Bumbane Great Place near Mthatha.
During his brief appearance in court, which was packed to capacity with his supporters, state prosecutor advocate Mbulelo Nyendwana asked for more time to allow Dalindyebo to make his representations to Batohi.
The controversial king has twice made representations to Mthatha director of public prosecutions Barry Madolo, which were both dismissed.
Dalindyebo wants the charges against him to be withdrawn.
Nyendwana told the court Dalindyebo had asked for the charge sheet and that it had later been given to him.
“He wanted to use it for his appeal. He said he would need more time,” Nyendwana said.
Dalindyebo, who was released on warning, told the court he had only received the charge sheet on May 5.
When exiting the court building, he was welcomed by his supporters from the Sithebe administration area where Bumbane is located.
Cheerfully greeting and addressing his supporters, Dalindyebo said: “We will be here again [July 9].
“It has been postponed so I can take my case to the high ranking prosecutor.
“Ndisafuna ubukele amakhwenkwe ecaleni [I want to put the boys aside] — referring to the Mthatha DPP] — ndidibane namakhwenkwe amakhulu [and deal with the big boys — referring to Batohi].
“I ask that you give me this time to meet experts as innocent as I am by birth,” he said.
His subjects then burst into song, while Dalindyebo joined in, singing and dancing.
The king served four years of a 12year prison sentence for arson, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice and was released in December 2019.
He has been living in Nkululekweni in Mthatha.
Azenathi was removed from his acting position and from the royal house in June after a letter from premier Oscar Mabuyane was served to him.
One of Dalindyebo’s supporters, Master Rhangayi, said the group wanted “him back [at his home] in Bumbane”.
Dalindyebo has yet to return to Bumbane since his release.
Nobom Ngqukumba said they were saddened by the case.
“We wish for him to fully lead the nation without the case hanging over him.”