By Celani Sikhakhane
- The Abathembu King says Hamas is evil and accuses them of raping women and killing children to provoke the war.
- He says the South African government is lying about genocide and he refuses to be bullied into supporting their court case.
King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has picked a side in the war – and it is not the one the South African government chose.
Speaking from Israel, the controversial Abathembu King said he would have been ruthless against Hamas.
“If I was the Israel government I would have wiped them all because they are ruthless,” Dalindyebo said.
The King is currently touring the region. He says he has seen the pain caused by Hamas firsthand.
“Hamas is killing women and children while raping them,” he said. “These people are selling a wrong picture in the world against Israel while they are the ones who are doing evil things here in Gaza.”
Dalindyebo left South Africa on Sunday, 30 November.
He was welcomed in Jerusalem by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. His delegation includes his children, Princess Ntando and Prince Sinethemba, as well as Chief Apostle Ceaser Nonqunga.
They visited the site of the Nova Festival massacre and Kibbutz Nir, communities that were attacked by Hamas.
His comments act as a direct challenge to the South African government.
While the state fights a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide, the King says that is a lie.
“There is no genocide against Palestinians,” he said.
He added that he would not be bullied by the government’s position.
Pictured above: King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Image source: @IsraelInSA
