A video of KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala went viral which revealed how he reportedly assaulted someone believed to be a looter.
According to IOL, this incident took place in Durban on Wednesday while national news channel, Newzroom Afrika was broadcasting live from the scene.
The video shows how Zikalala grabs one of three young rioters who can be seen carrying goods. The premier then hits the looter on his back before the young man escapes and runs away.
Zikalala had issued a statement of apology since that read:
“The KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier has noted a video that is circulating which emanates from an incident that took place while the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr Sihle Zikalala, and his delegation were visiting the worst affected areas as part of assessing the damage on the ground to bring an end to the wanton looting. The Premier apologises unequivocally about the incident.
“The Premier regrets the level of force used in apprehending a lotter, 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 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.”
Apology on that viral video.https://t.co/UREjzZDmWF pic.twitter.com/T7cxLPOc0W
— Premier Sihle Zikalala (@sziks) July 15, 2021
Watch it here:
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
Picture: Twitter / @RonaldPhiri01