Amazulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has been hospitalised in Eswatini following the sudden death of one of his senior advisers from suspected poisoning. The news was confirmed by his traditional prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi confirmed on Saturday.

POISONING ALLEGATION

In a statement late on Saturday, Buthelezi said there were suspicions that Misuzulu may have been poisoned. "I am informed that His Majesty’s senior Induna, Mr Xaba, who stayed with the King, passed on quite suddenly and that there are suspicions that he was poisoned. When His Majesty began to feel unwell, he suspected that he too may have been poisoned," said Buthelezi. "He immediately sought out medical treatment in Eswatini. I am informed that His Majesty felt uncomfortable seeking treatment in South Africa, as his parents had both received treatment in South Africa and subsequently died. Should there be any reason for further investigations, that will be attended to by the authorities, " said Buthelezi. 

POWER STRUGGLES

There have been power struggles within the royal family since Misuzulu was named as the heir to the throne after the death of his mother and father. A faction within the family is challenging his claim to the throne in court, insisting that he is not the rightful heir of his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini. Prince Simakade Zulu and Prince Mbonisi Zulu filed court papers at the Pretoria High Court to challenge the ruling that was made by Ramaphosa to appoint Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the Zulu King. Simakade is the eldest son of the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu who was born to a girlfriend while Mbonisi was one of the spokespersons of the Zulu Royal family. Last year November, a month after Misuzulu was crowned Zulu king, one of his advisors and confidantes Prince Muntukaphiwana Zulu was gunned down outside his homestead in Osuthu village in KwaNongoma.