BY DELISA THWALA
(Information sourced from Sowetan Live)
SOUTH AFRICA – The Zulu royal family has rejected claims by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi that King Misuzulu kaZwelithini was hospitalised in Eswatini following suspected poisoning.
Buthelezi said in a statement on Saturday night that the king was in hospital and further claimed that one of His Majesty’s Senior Induna Douglas Xaba, who worked closely with the king had died suddenly of suspected poisoning.
However, a statement released by Misuzulu’s newly-appointed Spokesperson, Prince Africa Zulu, said the monarch was in a ‘perfect condition’ and was not in hospital. Prince Africa dimmed the reports as defamatory and baseless.
He, however, confirmed Xaba’s death. Buthelezi said in the statement:
“It is with great concern that I have received news from honourable Prince Vumile, brother to his Majesty King Mswati III, that his Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is being treated in a hospital in Eswatini, having taken ill earlier today. When His Majesty began to feel unwell, he suspected that he too may have been poisoned. He immediately sought out medical treatment in Eswatini. I am informed that His Majesty felt uncomfortable seeking treatment in SA, as his parents had both received treatment in SA and subsequently died,” said Buthelezi.
Worth noting is that this is not the first occasion such tactics have been mobilised; similar activities were done during His Majesty’s recent visit to Eswatini. The motives were unclear at this stage, however, the king is said to remain cognisant that the political environment is ripe due to the approaching cycle of political elections.
King Misuzulu’s office added that he frequently pays courtesy visits to Eswatini to visit his uncle, King Mswati.
