KZN Woman Calls KZN Senior Police Officer from Limpopo “Kwerekwere” Over Language Dispute. A video circulating widely on social media has sparked intense debate across South Africa after a woman from KwaZulu-Natal was captured verbally confronting a senior police official, allegedly insulting him over his inability to communicate with her in isiZulu.

The man at the centre of the incident has been identified as Robert Netshiunda, the official spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service (SAPS). In the footage, the woman can be heard shouting angrily, accusing Netshiunda of being “stupid” for not addressing her in isiZulu, a language widely spoken in the province. Her comments quickly escalated into remarks that many South Africans have described as discriminatory and divisive.

According to those who have viewed the video, the woman went on to claim that Netshiunda was “in the wrong place” and should return to where he “comes from,” referring to Limpopo province. She further made statements suggesting that he did not belong in KwaZulu-Natal because he was not Zulu-speaking. At one point, she used a derogatory term often associated with xenophobic rhetoric, accusing the police spokesperson of being an outsider due to his language and origin.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism online, with many South Africans expressing concern over the increasing intolerance seen not only towards foreign nationals but also between citizens of different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Critics argue that the confrontation reflects a troubling shift where language and regional identity are being weaponised to question people’s legitimacy and right to work or live in certain parts of the country.

Netshiunda, who has served in the police for many years, is a South African citizen and a senior communication official tasked with addressing the public and the media on policing matters in KwaZulu-Natal. While English is commonly used as an official working language in government institutions, the video has reignited debate around language accessibility, representation, and respect in public service.

However, many commentators have emphasised that while citizens have the right to request service in their preferred language where possible, resorting to insults, ethnic slurs, or questioning someone’s belonging is unacceptable and undermines social cohesion. Legal experts have also noted that discriminatory language, particularly when it incites hatred or exclusion, may fall foul of constitutional values that promote dignity, equality, and unity.

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