Dalindyebo in hospital

ABATHEMBU King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has been admitted to hospital in East London.

This emerged during a visit by the leadership of the EFF to the prison where the king had begun serving his 12-year sentence, handed down towards the end of last year.

Leader Julius Malema was accompanied by deputy Floyd Shivambu, chairman Dali Mpofu, secretary-general Godrich Gardee, and representatives of the party in the Eastern Cape. Theywere greeted by scores of jubilant supporters. Malema and his entourage then moved to Life St Dominic’s Hospital where Dalindyebo is said to be receiving treatment.

Malema was met by prison boss Nkosinathi Breakfast who briefed him on the king’s condition.

Addressing the media, Malema said, “The king fell ill and was admitted last night (Friday) after engaging in a hunger strike from Sunday.” He said that they had persuaded him to resume eating.

Malema lambasted the ANC-led government for Dalindyebo’s imprisonment. “We have never seen such humiliation. We thought humiliation of the traditional leadership ended with the colonial times and apartheid.

“The king is in good spirits but it is painful to see what the ANC government is doing to this man.”

He said the king should have been given house arrest.

Meanwhile, the abaThembu royal house said it was unaware of the king’s admission to hospital. SpokesmanChief Bovulengwe Mtirara said, “We are still waiting for Nokwanda (the king’s wife) to tell us.”