By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The king of the Zulu nation, King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, has been hospitalised in Swaziland after feeling unwell, amid fears of poisoning.
This is according to the traditional prime minister to the family, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
“It is with great concern that I have received news from HRH 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.
“I am informed that His Majesty’s senior Induna, 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,” Buthelezi said.
Buthelezi added that the King Misuzulu is being treated and is doing well.
“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.”
“It is understood that His Majesty is under medical care and is doing well. Further information will be conveyed when it becomes available,” said Buthelezi.
“Our immediate concern is for the king’s wellbeing. We as the Zulu nation pray for His Majesty’s full and swift recovery. Should there be any reason for further investigations, that will be attended to by the authorities,” he said.
Misuzulu was named as his father’s successor, at an occasion where the will of his mother, the late queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu – was read following her memorial service in KwaNongoma, Kwazulu-Natal.
This was followed by royal disputes that have now escalated into court challenges by the late monarch’s wife and daughters, who are also challenging the validity of the king’s will. They were also arguing that queen Mantfombi, who was regent at the time of her death, did not have the powers to pronounce who should be next to ascend the throne.