A dramatic security breach took place at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport during the unveiling of a new 12-metre statue of King Shaka, with President Cyril Ramaphosa and King Misuzulu as chief guests.
A woman, believed to be a guest, stormed the stage in an apparent attempt to reach the president and the king.
The incident was captured on video, which has since circulated widely across news outlets and social media platforms.
Eyewitnesses report that the woman disembarked from a shuttle transporting guests to a sports field where the ceremony was being held.
From there, she approached the stage, ascended the stairs, and lunged towards Ramaphosa and King Misuzulu.
Security officers quickly intercepted her, but she broke free, proceeding to scuffle with officers in a chaotic scene that unfolded before the crowd.
“She really had a go at those officers, slapping the one officer a few times before two male protection officers managed to restrain her,” a witness said.
“It looked like she wanted to address the king directly,” said another witness.
Social media users commented on her composed appearance, noting she kept her sunglasses on throughout the incident.
The event marked the unveiling of a statue that replaces a previous work criticised for depicting King Shaka in a manner some said resembled a “herdboy,” a portrayal seen as disrespectful to the Zulu monarch’s legacy.
The new statue stands at an imposing 12 metres, symbolising strength and pride in the Zulu heritage.
Police officers ultimately restrained the woman, escorting her away from the stage.
Neither Ramaphosa nor King Misuzulu commented on the incident during the remainder of the ceremony, which proceeded without further interruptions.
@encanews In a rather strange turn of events, a woman in KwaZulu Natal has allegedly tried to attack President Cyril Ramaphosa. The incident occurred during a ceremony marking the unveiling of a statue of AmaZulu Founder King Shaka. #eNCA #DStv403 #QuestionThinkAct ♬ original sound - eNCA
IOL News