Woman arrested after trying to rush President Ramaphosa & King Misuzulu at statue unveiling
Woman arrested after trying to rush President Ramaphosa & King Misuzulu at statue unveiling! A surprising and tense moment unfolded at the unveiling ceremony of the newly commissioned King Shaka statue at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.
During the event, a woman believed to be a guest attempted to rush the stage, where both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini were seated. The incident led to the woman’s swift arrest as she struggled against police officers who tried to restrain her.
Unveiling of the King Shaka Statue: A Significant Moment
The event was held to mark the unveiling of a 12-meter statue of the legendary Zulu monarch, King Shaka, replacing an earlier statue that had sparked controversy.
The previous artwork faced criticism for allegedly portraying King Shaka in a way that some found disrespectful, as it reportedly made him appear more like a herdboy than the revered founder of the Zulu nation.
The new statue, intended to better reflect the king’s historical significance, attracted significant attention, and the event saw a gathering of dignitaries, including President Ramaphosa and King Misuzulu.
The Disruption: Woman Rushes the Stage
According to witnesses at the scene, the woman disembarked from a shuttle that was transporting guests from the airport to a nearby sports field where the ceremony was taking place.
After exiting the vehicle, she approached the stage area, climbed the stairs, and made an attempt to reach the president and the Zulu king.
Eyewitnesses reported that she seemed determined to address King Misuzulu directly and appeared to be in a distressed or agitated state.
It remains unclear whether the woman had any specific grievances or requests. Witnesses described her as barefoot, wearing a long cream-colored dress and sunglasses, which stood out amid the more formally dressed attendees.
Security Intervenes: The Struggle to Restrain Her
As she attempted to get closer to President Ramaphosa and King Misuzulu, security forces on-site reacted swiftly. Two police officers initially intercepted her as she reached the front of the stage.
She resisted their efforts to hold her back, reportedly striking two of the officers in the process. The scene became more intense as a member of the VIP protection unit joined the effort to restrain her.
Witnesses observed that the woman put up a substantial struggle before officers were finally able to remove her from the stage area. She was then escorted out of the ceremony venue.
Watch:
[WATCH] An unidentified woman tries to force her way through the police line, demanding to see King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at King Shaka International Airport where President Cyril Ramaphosa and the monarch are unveiling the statue of the founder of the Zulu nation.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/ii6PXKinVX
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 7, 2024
An unidentified woman had to be forcely removed metres away from a stage where dignitaries were due to address dignitaries during the unveiling of King Shaka statue. Video: SANDILE NDLOVU pic.twitter.com/bjDogBS5bp
— Sandile Ndlovu (@sandysndlovu) November 7, 2024
The woman’s exact intentions are yet to be confirmed, and authorities have not disclosed whether she was targeting the president, the king, or both. Observers suggested that she was eager to speak directly with King Misuzulu, although her reasons for doing so remain unknown.
Reaction from Authorities and the Public
The incident caught many attendees off guard, with some expressing concern over the breach in security. However, the situation was managed quickly, preventing further disruption to the event. South African Police Services (SAPS) have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, and it is unclear whether the woman will face charges related to her attempt to approach the dignitaries.
In the absence of immediate police commentary, questions have been raised about the motives behind the woman’s actions. Social media users have speculated on her intentions, with some wondering if she had a specific issue she hoped to bring to the monarch’s attention. Others have emphasized the need for continued vigilance at public events, especially those attended by high-profile figures.
The New Statue: A Symbol of Zulu Heritage
Despite the unexpected disturbance, the unveiling of the new King Shaka statue proceeded, with guests and officials honoring the legacy of one of South Africa’s most celebrated historical figures.
The updated statue is viewed as an important correction to the earlier version, which had faced criticism from Zulu traditionalists and historians.
By unveiling a new statue that more accurately reflects King Shaka’s legacy, the South African government and Zulu leaders aimed to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Zulu people and honor a figure whose influence shaped the region’s history.
Conclusion: A Memorable Ceremony Despite Challenges
The unveiling ceremony for the new King Shaka statue will likely be remembered not only for its cultural significance but also for the unexpected interruption caused by a guest attempting to reach the stage. Authorities are expected to review the incident to determine the woman’s motives and assess the security measures in place.
The new statue of King Shaka stands as a testament to the pride and historical respect that the Zulu nation holds for its ancestors, and despite the brief interruption, the event highlighted the importance of celebrating South Africa’s diverse heritage.
