Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, who allegedly sparked off the xenophobic attacks in South Africa after his somewhat inciteful comments which urged foreigners to return to their homeland, has appealed for calm.
Zulu King who allegedly sparked attacks appeals for calm
The Zulu monarch called on the South African Human Rights Commission to investigate the hate speech charges against him without hindrance.
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In King Zwelithini's speech, which attracted thousands to the stadium in Durban,venue of King Zwelithini's address, he said it was not fair to blame the violence on one individual, pointing out that there had been previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa, dating back several years.
He also added that the South African Human Rights Commission should investigate the hate speech charges against him without hindrance.
But according to BBC reporter, Karen Allen, there was anti-foreigner sentiment in the crowd, which booed the ambassadors representing the countries whose nationals had been affected.
Meanwhile South African President, Jacob Zuma has condemned the attacks, saying they "go against everything we believe in".
Over 300 people have been arrested in connection to the xenophobic attacks which started in Durban before spreading to Johanessbourg.
8 people in total have been killed including a Mozambican, an Ethiopian man, a man believed to be from Zimbabwe and three South Africans.
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