King Goodwill Zwelithini has accused media of distorting what he believed to be "an innocent outcry against crime and destruction of property”, he said in a statement on Friday.

It was reported that the king allegedly told a gathering that “foreigners must pack their bags and go home” during a moral regeneration event in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

“I have already stated my concerns about crime in South Africa, and I am on record as having said there is no justification for murder, looting and attacks that we have seen being perpetrated against foreigners.”

The king emphasised that whether a crime is committed by foreigners or locals, they should face the "full might of the law."

According to Drum, he denounced  greed, xenophobia and tribalism which are affecting the province.