- KZN MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi started an independent investigation into Inkosi Minenhle Mthembu after receiving many complaints from his family and community.
- Inkosi Minenhle Mthembu faces claims of sexual assault against his sister and a government worker while out on bail for rape.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has started an independent investigation into Inkosi Minenhle Mthembu.
The leader of the KwaSomopho Traditional Community in the King Cetshwayo District is accused of sexual assault and public disorder.
KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the department received many letters of complaint about Mthembu since March 2025. The MEC met with Mthembu’s family to look at the evidence before starting the probe.
The investigation will look into claims that Mthembu sexually assaulted his own sister. He is also accused of sexual assault against a Cogta worker. Other complaints include substance abuse and acting in a disorderly way in public.
The department said this probe is happening while Mthembu is out on bail for a different sexual assault case in court. The investigation will also check if he failed to work with izinduna at the Somopho Traditional Court.
Buthelezi said the process will test if the claims are true under the provincial law for traditional leadership. He said the department must protect the dignity of traditional leaders.
Last year, the DA in the KZN legislature asked for Mthembu to be suspended. The party said traditional leaders must be held to high standards and condemned the alleged crimes.
Pictured above: KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi started a probe into Inkosi Minenhle Mthembu who is accused of sexual assault.
Image source: KZNCOGTA
