King Zwelithini's advisor says Amabutho were 'treated like strangers'

The warriors had wanted to pay their final respects to the King, who passed away on Friday.

They gathered en-masse at the gate until police relented and let them in.

Dignitaries, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had attended the memorial service earlier, had to find another way out of the palace grounds.

Dr Andile Hlatshwayo says it’s disappointing that politicians were given a warm welcome while those who've dedicated themselves to the king were treated like strangers. 

READ: PICS: King Zwelithini’s state memorial service

He says amabutho going in to the palace to pay tribute to the king has been part of Zulu culture for centuries..

"Amabutho can not go in, which forms part of the tradition and culture which during the time and the tenure of his Majesty was living they used to do that on a regular basis."  

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"When you see politicians entering, what is special about them that is not special about iZulu. This, which has happened today was not about politics but it was about our king, his majesty and the memorial that had to be carried out as per the traditions and cultures of the Zulus."