Prince Buthelezi’s funeral put authorities under pressure

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POLICE Minister Bheki Cele says they are comfortable with state of readiness ahead of Inkatha Freedom Party leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s funeral on Saturday.

He said police have been activated to watch over the proceedings.

Police in Ulundi will be supported by their counterparts in the province with members of the SA Defence Force, Police Tactical Response Team (otherwisely known as Amabherete) and the metro police just to name but a few. 

“We are here to observe the situation and to make sure everyone is safe. Police will be doing their duties, it’s was our position to make sure citizens of this country are safe.” 

Speaking on Ukhozi FM, the minister said police will also be conducting roadblocks and doing stop and search.  

He urged those who will be “intoxicated” or carrying alcohol not to move toward the funeral or stadium. 

Cele said officers are activated to deal with with anything including hooligans and trigger happy people. 

“Amabherete will deal harshly with hooligans and those who are trigger happy will face their match which is the police task team. Those who don’t know [police task team] them must go and inquire of about them in Makhado Limpopo,” he boasted. 

Officers to be deployed for funeral proceedings

Task team have recently gunned-down at least 18 suspected criminals. 

The minister said law-enforcement officers will be deployed to ensure that all funeral proceedings go well. 

He further said they won’t compromise when it come to safeness. 

Buthelezi, who died last week at his home, was the Zulu Prime Minister and is considered the second in command for [Amabutho] Zulu regiment. 

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Several dignitaries, including President Cyril Ramaphosa who will deliver the eulogy, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and some coming from other countries are expected to attend the final send-off. 

It has been reported that police and the IFP leadership are at loggerheads over the role of “Amabutho” ahead of the funeral, this comes after Cele pronounced that traditional weapons will not be allowed. 

IFP spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa who spoke on behalf of the family said Amabutho are part of their culture and will be allowed to be carrying their traditional weapons. 

He stated that Amabutho will be showing their last respect to their leader. 

“There is no way they can’t gear-up in their Zulu garment. Before they were against us for wearing out cultural attire but now it is fashionable and everyone is wearing it,” he explained. 

Pressed if they are ready to have talks with ANC, he responded by saying their doors of engagement have always been opened. 

He continued; “Prince Buthelezi once invited them for talks before Covid-19 but they dragged their feet. We are ready for the talks but they must do the right thing first”. 

Hlengwa blasted the ANC-government for renaming the Durban highway and said they don’t know why they took out his name.