Celani Sikhakhane
KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala and the controversial former DJ at uKhozi FM, Ngizwe Mchunu, have opened cases of assault against one another after a brawl broke out between the two on Saturday.
Both Zikalala and Mchunu say they were attacked unprovoked after the DJ approached the premier at the iNgoma kaZwelonke Maskandi Festival that was held at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Scrolla.Africa understands that the incident happened after King Misuzulu kaZwelithini had left the VIP marquee where he was seated.
On Sunday, the KZN provincial government published a statement confirming that Zikalala had opened a case of assault and crimen injuria against Mchunu.
According to the statement, Mchunu “came over to where the premier was seated, and started hurling insults at the premier.
“As a result, people nearby had to intervene. With the aid of security personnel, the premier had to leave the event.”
For months, Mchunu has severely criticised Zikalala’s leadership of the province.
Mchunu, a strong supporter of Jacob Zuma who was arrested for inciting violence following the unrest in July 2021, has accused Zikalala of failing to support the former president.
The statement alleges that “there has been a series of recent episodes during which Mr Ngizwe Mchunu hurled verbal abuse and invectives at the premier without justification or provocation”.
Zikalala’s office couldn’t be reached for comment.
Mchunu’s account of the incident differs entirely. According to the DJ, Zikalala called him over to ask why he always insults him.
“When he called me, I went to him and kneeled down as a sign of respect. He then asked me what I wanted from him, and started beating me. At the time he looked drunk,” Mchunu told Scrolla.Africa.
Mchunu claims that Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane stood up and asked the premier what he was doing.
He told Scrolla.Africa that he is not well after the embarrassment and pain he claims to have suffered.
The organisers of the event banned Mchunu from entering the VIP section for the remainder of the event to avoid further trouble.
The incident has now been turned into a political tool in the ANC to oust Zikalala at the upcoming provincial elective conference. The slogan “AKABUYI” – meaning he is not coming back for another term – has been picked up by his opponents.
The controversial Mchunu has at one point insulted President Cyril Ramaphosa, which led to Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu calling him to order with family elders.
Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathew said that the police are investigating a case of common assault that was laid at the Durban Central Police Station.
