In a dramatic twist of events, Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has reportedly removed chairman of the Ingonyama Trust Chief Thanduyise Mzimela from his position, barely six months after his appointment. The King has since denied this and accused 'rogue elements' of trying to sabotage the work of new members he appointed in key roles within the monarch.

ZiMoja has seen a letter where Misuzulu informs KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube about his decision to remove Mzimela as a chairman of the R25 billion worth Ingonyama Trust. Sources close to the situation told ZiMoja that the removal of Mzimela from the position meant that he would possibly soon be revealed as the next Zulu Traditional Prime Minister.

Mzimela was controversially appointed by Misuzulu to the chairmanship early this year against the advice of the late Zulu Traditional Prime Minister and the late Inkatha Freedom Party founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. It's believed that Mzimela's appointment is what caused a fallout between Misuzulu and Buthelezi. The late Prime Minister believed that this position should be given to someone with knowledge of the law. The removal of Mzimela could pave the way for another close associate of Misuzulu, Chief Mabhudu Israel Tembe from kwaNgwanase in the far Northern KwaZulu Natal, who could possibly be the new chairperson of the Ingonyama Trust.

Misuzulu's letter to Dube-Ncube about removing Mzimela from the position did not state the reasons that led to these changes and the King's office also refused to comment on the issue. In the letter, Misuzulu reminded Dube-Ncube of his power to appoint the chairman of Ngonyama Trust. "As you know according to section 2A(3)(a) of the KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust Board and 3KZ of 1994, I have decided to take down Mzimela in an instant move. I informed him about this decision. According to the power given to me by the law I mentioned, I suggest Tembe be the one to take over. His letter in which he agreed to be appointed to this position is here."

Responding to the allegations, the Monarch denied removing Mzimela from his position. His spokesperson Prince Afrika said: "His Majesty wishes to note that his office has been furnished with a copy of a forged document that has been circulated on social media platforms purporting to be from His Majesty's Office addressed to the Premier. Upon closer examination, the document makes various false claims, key among which is that the Monarch has elected to revoke the chairmanship of the current chairperson of the Ingonyama Trust Board, Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela, with immediate effect and has informed him accordingly of such decision," Prince Afrika said in a statement. "His Majesty rejects the fabrications with the highest contentment they deserve and wishes to categorically dismiss the sum of all assertions made in this document. It is sadly once again- an attempt to sow confusion by nefarious forces who are intent on spreading falsities and creating instability in the Zulu Kingdom," he said. Afrika further said that Misuzulu also wishes to reaffirm that the crown maintains full confidence in its decision to appoint Inkosi Mzimela as Chairperson of the Ingonyama Trust Board, as required in terms of Section 2A(3)(a) of the KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust Act, no 3KZ of 1994 (as amended). The Monarch is in consultation with the relevant entities to set out legal procedures to investigate and prosecute these desperate criminals who have placed the good name of the King and the Zulu Kingdom in disrepute," he said. Mzimela refused to comment and referred all queries to Afrika.