Johannesburg – The KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has left the nation divided after a video of him assaulting a looter went viral.
The incident was captured on live TV by a Newzroom Africa crew.
The incident left many on social media divided, with some calling for the premier to be arrested or to step down from office, while some, have praised him for fighting back.
In a statement, the Premier apologised unequivocally about the incident.
“The Premier regrets the level of force used in apprehending a looter, who was attempting to make off with goods that had been stolen from a nearby warehouse. While the action of apprehending a looter is justified, the manner in which this was done is deeply regretted,” the office of the premier said in a statement.
“The Premier apologises for this incident. The Premier believes that public violence has no place in society and in the same spirit those who commit acts of destruction do not share in the values of our nation. Once again, we call upon all the people of KwaZulu-Natal to stand united in our diversity and begin our rebuilding programme,” the statement further read.
Take a look at how some South Africans reacted to the assault on Twitter below:
Sihle Zikalala is outrightly foolish and must be held accountable for mob justice and vigilantism.
He’s legitimating thugs and criminals who think they are permitted to assault and kill people in Phoenix and other pets of KZN. He’s a fool! pic.twitter.com/Aei09ZPPZm— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) July 15, 2021
I am pleased that provincial officials, led by Premier Sihle Zikalala, MECs and other leaders, were first on the ground to assess the impact of the public violence and deal with the situation. Our soldiers and our police were also on the ground to deal with a difficult situation. pic.twitter.com/dm6bW5ahfY
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 16, 2021
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala assault one of the looters in Durban on Wednesday live on national TV. #KZNLooting
Meanwhile, Minister of police Bheki Cele had warned citizens against taking the law to their own hands. #bhekicele
#KZNViolence #KingMisuZulu pic.twitter.com/boHbyHncBY
— Sakhiseni Nxumalo (@SakhiNxumalo) July 14, 2021
https://twitter.com/Kgauza_Spatial/status/1413711043436683266?s=20
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala wants Jacob Zuma to be pardoned and released from prison. In this clip he is seen beating up a kid suspected of looting.
He is showing you his true face. He believes in mob justice for poor people. And special pardons for the connected. Your leader ✊🏽 https://t.co/p1pzGx03n4— Justice Malala (@justicemalala) July 15, 2021
Sihle Zikalala says the damage caused by the looting and protesting is estimated at R1 Billion.
Vele sine R500 Billion thina☺️
— 🦄 (@ngingusbonga) July 13, 2021
"Instigators have failed" – President Cyril Ramaphosa
Ironically said with Sihle Zikalala next to him.
— African Renaissance 🦅🇿🇦🦁 (@MadiBoity) July 16, 2021
The young man should go lay a charge of assault against the premier sihle zikalala.he must be brought to book period…
— Aubrey Makhura (@AubreyMotsama12) July 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/Sekeaux/status/1415575717618794500?s=20
The ANC in KZN should with immediate effect suspend Sihle Zikalala for assault, Andile Lungisa was suspended for assault in the EC.
— MaRonza (@MbongiseniRona4) July 15, 2021
Corporal punishment, spanking, open hand hitting etc, are considered assault in SA & Sihle Zikalala should be arrested like all the teachers who lost their jobs for hitting children, that's rule of law.
— Ngwana Kholokoeng.Phuthii!!! (@MphoMoloi18) July 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/Moeketsi0714/status/1415716087648423936?s=20
Has SAPS picked up Sihle Zikalala for assault?
— Kgosi Nkuruziza (@MotlotlegiTT) July 15, 2021
Also read:
Unrest and looting were instigated, says President Ramaphosa
President Ramaphosa finally makes appearance on the ground since looting began
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