The KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala has opened a case of assault and crimen injuria at Durban Central SAPS. He alleges that Ngizwe Mchunu hurled insults at him during a traditional dance festival at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The incident involving the premier and the former Ukhozi FM broadcaster took place during the Ingoma KaZwelonke competition on Saturday.

In a statement, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government says the latest incident is one of several in which Mchunu has been seen hurling verbal abuse and invectives at the premier.

“Mchunu escalated this when he came over to the exclusive area where the premier was seated and started hurling insults at him. As a result, people nearby had to intervene. With the aid of security personnel, the premier had to leave the event,” reads the statement.

KZN Provincial Government went on to say the premier is ready to exhaust all legal avenues to protect himself and the dignity of the office he occupies from “unscrupulous and unwarranted attacks”.

In an interview with SABC, Mchunu alleges that he was attacked first. He explained that he was summoned to where the premier was sitting and kneeled next to him out of respect.

Mchunu alleges that he was then hit by the premier in front of eyewitnesses.

SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe says police are investigating two cases that have been registered at the Durban Central Police Station.

“The SAPS confirms that the first case of common assault was registered on Saturday while the second case of crimen injuria was registered on Sunday. Both matters are still under investigation,” says Mathe.