The Eastern Cape is at the center of a high-profile legal confrontation as Premier Oscar Mabuyane files a criminal case against AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. The dispute stems from allegations made by the king, accusing Mabuyane of benefiting from an extortion syndicate. As tensions escalate, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have positioned themselves as defenders of the monarch in this growing legal battle.
Premier Mabuyane Responds to King’s Accusations
Oscar Mabuyane, the Premier of the Eastern Cape, officially lodged a criminal case against King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo on Tuesday, citing crimen injuria. This legal action follows remarks made by Dalindyebo during a public meeting in Mthatha, where the king accused Mabuyane of being involved in a local extortion scheme.
“Oscar Mabuyane, I can prove it in any court, is a beneficiary to [Sakhumzi Dalinzolo] Mareke’s stupid actions [alleged extortion]. He must prove me wrong if he believes I am wrongfully accusing him,” Dalindyebo declared to the gathered crowd. These bold accusations have ignited a legal showdown between the traditional leader and the provincial head.
Last week, Mareke, the alleged extortionist at the center of this controversy, was killed in a police shoot-out. This has further intensified the case as the investigation continues.
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Multiple Cases Against the King
This is not the first time legal action has been taken against King Dalindyebo. According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lt-Col Siphokazi Mawisa, this marks the second criminal case involving the king. Earlier, Xolile Nqatha, the provincial MEC for transport and community safety, also filed a complaint of crimen injuria at Cambridge Police Station in East London. Despite the ongoing investigations, no arrests have been made at this stage.
EFF Stands Behind King Dalindyebo
The EFF has publicly come to the defense of King Dalindyebo, standing firmly by his side amid the legal challenges. The party, to which Dalindyebo is closely affiliated, criticized Premier Mabuyane’s actions, calling them an attempt to settle personal political scores.
In a statement, EFF Provincial Commissioner Zilindile Vena said, “During a community meeting held in Mthatha on August 20, King Dalindyebo spoke out strongly against extortionists and condemned politicians allegedly working with criminals. We view this case as a waste of state resources, as the premier is trying to misuse his authority to attack King Buyelekhaya.”
Vena added, “Mabuyane must hang his head in shame for misinterpreting the king’s message. Instead of addressing the pressing issues in the province, he has chosen to personalize the matter and pursue frivolous charges.”
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A Distraction from Eastern Cape’s Real Issues
The EFF further argued that this legal battle is diverting attention from the province’s critical challenges. Vena highlighted that the Eastern Cape is grappling with a rising crime rate, and resources should be focused on addressing these issues rather than political disputes.
“Crime in the Eastern Cape is at an all-time high. Instead of channeling resources towards fighting crime, the premier is using his political influence to target a traditional leader who has been actively engaging with communities to combat extortion,” Vena said.
Mabuyane Stands Firm on His Actions
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Mabuyane responded to the king’s accusations, describing them as “reckless” and unsupported by facts. He emphasized that his decision to open a criminal case was not politically motivated, but rather a call for accountability.
“We are the face of government, and we are addressing crime in this province. We cannot allow anyone, whether a politician or a traditional leader, to make baseless accusations without evidence,” Mabuyane stated. He urged law enforcement to investigate thoroughly and bring to light anyone connected to the extortion network, regardless of their status or position.
As investigations continue, this case is poised to deepen tensions between political and traditional leadership in the Eastern Cape, with both sides standing their ground. While the EFF rallies around King Dalindyebo, Premier Mabuyane is determined to clear his name and expose any wrongdoing linked to the extortion syndicate.