Cape Town – A person can be appointed to serve Abathembu King Buleyekhaya Dalindyebo’s 12-year jail term on his behalf according to tradition, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (Contralesa) has said.

“In terms of our tradition, a king does not really go to jail. His people choose a person on his behalf because he is the father of the nation,” Contralesa general secretary Xolile Ndevu told News24.

He said this was done “knowing very well” that the king would do something to thank the servant.

“Sometimes a king would then compensate that person by giving a status of a supreme loyal subject, headman or chief. Or he may give a piece of land or cattle.”