By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
AmaZulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has filed court papers in Pietermaritzburg High Court to institute divorce action against one of his wives.
King Misuzulu has three wives. He followed in his father King Zwelithini’s footstep, who had six wives: Queen Sibongile Dlamini, Queen Buhle Mathe, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini (King Misuzulu’s mother), Queen Jayne Ndlovu, Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza and Queen Zola Mafu.
Its been a year since, Misuzulu’s first wife, last attended major royal events, following the arrival of the third wife in 2023.
Her absence from events such as the Battle of Isandlwana commemoration, Umkhosi Womhlanga, and Umkhosi WeLembe has raised many speculations because she previously attended these events before the arrival of third wife.
She was introduced as King Misuzulu’s first queen when he took the throne in 2021. In the very same year, he also married his second wife from Eswatini.
Fullview learnt the marriage between the plaintiff and the defendant has reached such a state of disintegration that there is no reasonable prospect for the restoration of a normal marriage between the parties.
The court papers stated that the couple has been separated for at least a year before initiating the divorce process.
The couple have two minor children who live with their mother in one of the royal residences.
The papers outline spousal maintenance for the queen and the king’s sole responsibility for the maintenance of the children.
The king also seeks an order that the queen be liable for costs should she defend the divorce action.
The queen has filed a notice of intention to defend the divorce action.
The Zulu kingdom has a proud history. It is world-famous for defeating British troops during the 1879 battle of Isandlwana.
Its succession battles have always been fierce – and at times, bloody. The legendary King Shaka ka Senzangakhona killed his brother in 1816 in order to take the throne, then was himself assassinated in a plot masterminded by his nephew years later.
Meanwhile Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso has reiterated that his department will meet King MisuZulu in relation to the suspension of the Ingonyama Trust Board.
Nyhontso said, there is no power struggle between himself and the king, as it is clear who is responsible for the appointment and dissolution of the board.