He was released in terms of President Cyril Ramaphosa's "remission of sentences".

Dalindyebo was convicted in 2013 for crimes including arson, culpable homicide, kidnapping, defeating the ends of justice and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The Paramount Chief of the AbaThembu set fire to the homesteads of three of his subjects after accusing them of breaching tribal rules.

Sources told eNCA that Dalindyebo, who had been in prison since 2015, was on his way to his palace.

The remission is for 12 months, which means that Dalindyebo has had one year removed from his sentence.

The Abathembu Royal family has welcomed their king's release.

eNCA