Malema to meet Dalindyebo on customary vs western law issue

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema will lead a delegation to East London today to visit AbaThembu king Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.

Dalindyebo had sent a text message to the EFF leadership before the Constitutional Court dismissed his appeal against his 12-year jail sentence, inviting them to his Bumbane Great Place.

This according to EFF national chairman Advocate Dali Mpofu.

Mpofu and a delegation led by Malema are expected to visit Dalindyebo at East London Maximum Correctional Centre this afternoon.

“We were not sure why he wanted to see us because we never got a chance to see him after the Constitutional Court decision,” Mpofu told the Saturday Dispatch yesterday.

He said the party was seriously concerned about the contradiction between “customary and western laws”.

“You cannot have a king sit in prison and pretend that it is business as normal.

“We will sit down with him and see what legal or political steps to take to address the contradiction.”

“We are not going to take sides as to who was right or wrong on the matter though as it was debated in court.”

He said the EFF was also sympathetic towards the king’s victims and should they take offence over the visit, they were welcome to address their concern with the party.

In April last year, Dalindyebo opened the door for the EFF leader to campaign in his kingdom ahead of the May general elections.

This was despite Dalindyebo having joined the DA in 2013 after his fallout with the ANC, and having barred Malema from entry to his kingdom in May 2012. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za