Sanco on Thursday welcomed the Ngangelizwe royal family’s intention to rebuild relations with the victims of AbaThembu King Buyelakhaya Dalindyebo’s “reign of terror”.

It would hopefully translate into compensation for those who had suffered human rights violations, and lost livestock and property due to Dalindyebo’s actions, SA National Civic Organisation spokesperson Jabu Mahlangu said in a statement.

Dalindyebo’s “atrocities” and his incarceration had dented the image of the institution of traditional leadership, he said.

Sanco wished the Ngangelizwe and greater Dlomo royal families well in nominating a leader to preside over the affairs of the AbaThembu clan and traditional council. The families are part of the AbaThembu clan.

It would take the collective effort of the two families, the council, and affected communities to foster reconciliation and reclaim the dignity of the institution.

Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Dalindyebo began serving his 12-year jail term for assault, kidnapping, and arson.

In 2009, Dalindyebo was sentenced to 15 years in prison for culpable homicide, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, arson, and kidnapping. He was granted bail pending the outcome of his appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

In October, the SCA set aside his culpable homicide conviction and reduced his sentence to 12 years.

His crimes involved the treatment he meted out to some of his subjects in 1995 and 1996. News24