The Department of Correctional Services says no formal application has yet been made for the release of the incarcerated AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
King Dalindyebo is currently serving a 12 year jail term in East London.
Earlier this week, Xhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu asked African National Congress President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene.
Correctional Services Minister Micheal Masutha says only the president of the country can make such a decision.
He might be in prison, but his subjects still salute him. His royal counterparts in the province have now also joined the calls for his release.
The AmaXhosa King added his voice when the ANC President, gave him a courtesy call this week.
Amaxhosa King King Zwelonke Sigcawu says, “President we are not happy that the King is in prison. When you are in government as the President of the country, please look at this. The kingdom of the Eastern Cape is under threat, even King Zanozuko is facing challenges. “
Ramaphosa did not give a direct answer on the matter when he addressed the public at Ngqadu.
Masutha says no application applying for a presidential pardon has been made to his office yet.
“I have no knowledge of an application that has been made except for the one that was made some time ago and it was done incorrect. There is a criterion that they will need to follow for them to apply for presidential pardon, and it is only the President that can grant that based on certain conditions of law.”
Dalindyebo was convicted for assault, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
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