Clock ticking for Abathembu King
Today should be the last night that Abathembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo spends in his home if the appeal for a presidential pardon is not successful.
He has been ordered to begin serving his 12-year jail sentence tomorrow at the Wellington Prison in Umtata.
The Nhlangwini Dlamini Royal House has released a statement on behalf of the King requesting a presidential pardon. A response from the Presidency is yet to be received.
With acts committed in the 90s, Dalindyebo was found guilty of arson, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
The conviction of culpable homicide for the death of a community member, Saziso Wofa, was set aside in court which gave rise to an effective 12-year sentence as opposed to the 15-year term.
In October, Dalindyebo’s attempts to appeal his conviction, citing that he exercised his divine right as king, were dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal.
It is reported if the reigning king hands himself over to correctional services, he will forfeit his sovereign rights.
Here are a few moments concerning the Abathembu King that have made the news.
Dalindyebo's DA membership was revoked this year after the Supreme Court of Appeal upheld the charges held against him. He was recruited under the leadership of Helen Zille reportedly with hopes to garner votes for the party from the Eastern Cape.
In 2010, King Dalindyebo attended the celebrations of Nelson Mandela's 92nd birthday alongside President Jacob Zuma and Chief Zwelivelile Mandela at the birthplace of the former statesman near Qunu.
King Dalindyebo is pictured in the Tyalara village in the Eastern Cape - home to the Abathembu nation which is reported to be divided on the conviction and sentencing. This is also where the crimes reportedly took place.
(File photos: Gallo, Getty Images)