King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the AbaThembu has launched a scathing attack on the judiciary, labeling a recent court ruling as “corrupt” and vowing to overturn it himself. In a fiery statement, the monarch accused judges of taking bribes and making “abnormal decisions,” declaring that he would no longer respect what he called a “stupid court of law.”
“I Am the Court of First Instance”
Speaking defiantly, King Dalindyebo asserted his authority over the legal process, stating, “I am the court of first instance on this land. I will retract or change that court case to my court. That’s what’s going to happen now.” His remarks come amid ongoing tensions linked to a protest that he claims was sparked not by unrest but by an unjust judgment.
Violent Judgment, Not Violent Protest
The king dismissed reports of a violent protest, instead framing the conflict as a result of a “violent judgment” that violated the rights of his people and his children. “It’s not a violent protest—it’s a violent judgment,” he insisted.
Intervention Planned
King Dalindyebo announced his next move: a direct appeal to the judge president. “That’s my intervention,” he said, adding that he had already addressed concerned students and that the situation was now “cool.”
The monarch’s strong rejection of the court’s authority raises questions about the rule of law and traditional leadership’s role in legal disputes. Legal experts have warned that such statements could undermine judicial independence, while supporters of the king argue that he is standing up against systemic corruption.
As tensions simmer, all eyes are on whether the judiciary will respond to the king’s extraordinary challenge.
