Zulu King to hold imbizo against xenophobia

Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini will hold a meeting with traditional leaders in a bid to stop xenophobic attacks, News24 reported.

KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu made the announcement in Durban on Friday where he again urged locals not to attack foreigners.

Mchunu said Zwelethini would hold the meeting with the amakhosi on Monday at one of the stadiums in the city.

Durban has been wracked by a continuing spate of attacks on immigrants, which many have blamed on a speech Zwelithini made last month in which he reportedly expressed anti-immigrant sentiments.

Mchunu said Zwelithini was considering a direct broadcast to urge calm.

Mchunu said Zwelithini's speech last month, where he reportedly said "foreigners must pack their bags and go home", was misinterpreted. He said the king meant to call on government to address his concerns regarding foreigners.

Mchunu said it was not a call for attacks to be carried out on foreigners.

Mchunu announced the establishment of a seven-man panel to investigate locals' complaints against foreigners and how they can be addressed.

The panel would be headed by Judge Navi Pillay.