The late Zulu monarch Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu’s brother, Prince Mbonisi, has made a string of allegations against King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in a bid to prove that his nephew is not fit for the throne.
The claims are made in a sworn affidavit filed in the North Gauteng High Court, where Prince Mbonisi and 13 others have applied to have King Misuzulu’s “unlawful” installation suspended and set aside. They also want President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to recognise King Misuzulu set aside.
In his affidavit, Prince Mbonisi claims that King Misuzulu committed incest twice. He also alleged that the king struggles with substance addiction and had demanded the throne while his father was still alive 12 years ago.
King Misuzulu’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, told the Sunday Times Prince Mbonisi had embarrassed himself by “washing dirty linen in public”.
He said the allegations were not legal grounds for preventing King Misuzulu's official installation.
In the affidavit, Prince Mbonisi says it was “with a heavy heart” and “unfortunate” that the private matter was being made public, but incest was seen by the family as an abomination, an insult to the Zulu throne and “unheard of in our culture”.
“It is well known that Prince Misuzulu kaZwelithini suffers from a drug addiction. It is known that rehabilitation efforts have failed since he continues with these habits to date,” he says in the court papers.
“Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is reported to know that Prince Misuzulu has these addictions that are dangerous and he is known to have arranged rehabilitation for him at a facility in Cape Town.”
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is reported to know that Prince Misuzulu has these dangerous addictions
— Prince Mbonisi
Prince Mbonisi said the family would have preferred to have kept these “concerns” private.
“Since his ascension Prince Misuzulu kaZwelithini has taken unusual steps of entrenching himself as King of the Zulu Kingdom. He is reported to have solicited the support of President Ramaphosa's son Andile Ramaphosa in having his recognition certificate expedited.”
The family says it has transcripts to prove this, which can be provided to the court.
In response, Prince Thulani said: “This embarrasses him [Prince Mbonisi] for washing dirty linen in public.
“These are serious allegations, however, they have nothing to do with ascending the throne unless laid for someone who has already been throned. That would even then need to be proven beyond reasonable doubt and determined in accordance with conduct in terms of relevant prescripts of the law governing king's code of conduct.”
Prince Thulani said he would not comment further as the matter was sub judice.
“We believe in the justice system of our country.”
Addressing flood victims in Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, King Misuzulu said his coronation would continue as planned despite the legal challenges.
“I am just waiting for the certificate [from Ramaphosa]. I promise you, Zulu nation, we are not going back, we have conquered, just like my name [Sinqobile] means,” he said, laughing.
The king said the Zulu royal family was plagued by infighting and confusion over the throne.
“It’s been painful. This conflict happening in the royal family at home, even though they know in the royal family who the king of AmaZulu is, but they are still carrying on.
"It’s painful because this stalls your programmes as the Zulu nation. I am not saying go and do anything to them. God will take care of it.” he said.
Ramaphosa formally recognised Misuzulu as king in March.
Members of the royal family have been divided by the fight for the throne since the death of the former king in March 2021.
Prince Mbonisi says the court should order that the coronation and financial support to King Misuzulu be halted until legal matters have been finalised.
Speaking for Buthelezi, Liezl van der Merwe said she would not respond because the matter is before court.
“We are in consultation with our lawyers who are drafting a full response to matters raised in the high court application,” said Van der Merwe.
The applicants want the matter heard on July 26.
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