Zululand District Municipality mayor and the AmaZulu traditional prime minister Dr Thulasizwe Buthelezi has threatened to sue MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal Nomagugu Simelane if she doesn't withdraw her statement, accusing him of being a sex predator.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS

Simelane allegedly made the accusations at a rally in KZN over the weekend. Simelane's accusations were followed by the ANC KZN statement earlier this week alleging that they have been flooded with calls from concerned members of society accusing Buthelezi of sexual misconduct. They also alleged that over six women have been dismissed from the municipality after rejecting Buthelezi's sexual advances. "As the ANC in the region, we are aware that over the past two years, municipal workers have consistently lifted the lid on alleged multiple cases of sexual abuse involving the mayor. In the past, we saluted women who mastered the courage to come forward to detail such a shocking sex scandal involving someone who styles himself as a reverend."

The ANC added in the statement that they remain worried that Buthelezi has failed to clear his name after the allegations. "No one is above the law. He must be held accountable for the abuse of public office. We will be pursuing this matter further in the council and on other platforms to ensure that justice prevails and that victims find closure," the statement added.

SUING R10 MILLION  

Buthelezi has given Simelane seven days to withdraw her statement or he will sue her for R10 million for defaming him. In a letter seen by ZiMoja from Buthelezi's lawyers, Stowell and Co, they confirmed that they act on behalf of Buthelezi who is also an IFP member with regards to the defamatory comments that were made by Simelane against him. "We can confirm that we act on instructions from Buthelezi. We are instructed that on 24th March of 2024 during an ANC rally, Simelane made certain untrue and defamatory statements which are now are widely circulating on social media regarding our client in which you defamed him both personally and his position as the mayor and these statements were meant to injure his professional character. We are instructed to demand as we hereby do, that you immediately formally and publicly retract the statements within seven days. Failure to do so, our client will be forced seek damages of R10 million against you as competition for your wrongful and unlawful conduct. We were also instructed to let you know that our client denies the allegations and any wrongdoings," the letter reads. Simelane's spokesperson Mdu Ncalane said that they will issue a statement in due course with regards to the matter.