JUDGE PRESIDENT'S CHAMBERS

PRIVATE BAG X9020
HIGH COURT
CAPE TOWN 8000
The Hon Mr Justice

JOHN M HLOPHE

Prince of KwaPhindangene
President of Inkatha Freedom Party
Member of National Parliament
PO Box 1
MAHLABATHINI, 3865

Shenge, Sokwalisa

EXPLANATION ON WHAT WAS REPORTED BY THE MAIL AND GUARDIAN ABOUT ME

I felt I must hurry and explain, Mageba, even though I am still breathless as a result of this reporter who is laughing at me because of my present difficulties.

Something terrible has befallen me, Ndabezitha, as has been reported in the Mail and Guardian of 7 August 2009 (see article).  I am prompted by the writing of this reporter, Sello Selebi Alcock, who is telling a blatant lie about me, stating that I used the name of the Prince of KwaPhindangene, in vain, and also makes mention of His Majesty's (name).  This reporter says I said I may get killed at any time as even a King who is about to be installed is sent into hiding.  "That happened mainly when the reigning King was sent into hiding from the Prince of KwaPhindangene who desperately wanted this position (this is my translation from English)."

Even if it were to be said that I wanted to get into those issues, would I not talk about the real history if it was necessary; because according to what I read, the King was being hidden from the Prince of KwaNxangiphilile.  Even that is not an issue that I would stray into easily in the attention of other nations, because we have to accord royal and national issues respect and not just go about broadcasting them.

I feel I have to state it clearly, Shenge, that, first of all, this man who is a reporter, Sello Selebi Alcock, came when I was at Marco's African Restaurant in the evening, sitting with Mr Jabulani Ntshangase and two of our friends who were accompanying us and said he had come at the invitation of another friend of mine whom I was expecting that same evening, Mr Kojo Parris, with whom I was studying in England.

From the time of his arrival until we took leave of this man, Sello Selebi Alcock, I never uttered the names of the Prince of KwaPhindangene and of His Majesty with this mouth of mine.

I am still consulting my lawyers about this matter as it dazed my head with shock, as it makes me a careless Zulu. I apologise very sincerely for the wrong impression which may have been created because of this newspaper report.

I will always respect you, Shenge, even when they try to pit us against each other.

Long live, Mnandi ongamondi.

I am yours humbly

(Signed)
MANDLAKAYISE JOHN HLOPHE

Source: www.ifp.org.za

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