By Celani Sikhakhane
The SAPS has withdrawn its Royal Protection Unit from all seven palaces of the late King Good Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
Scrolla.Africa has learned that all police personnel that were protecting the Zulu royal palaces have been redeployed to different police stations across KwaZulu-Natal.
The officers left their posts on Thursday while the royal family members were in
Pietermaritzburg attending King Misuzulu’s opening of the KZN Legislature at the Oval Cricket stadium.
“We are still in shock and confused about why SAPS personnel were withdrawn without any explanation. This is quite worrying to all of us, especially at the time when the royal family is still under threat due to the battle for the throne that is still on,” a source said.
Scrolla.Africa has learned that the decision was taken because there’s no mandate to provide security to the palaces of the late King Zwelithini and King Misuzulu doesn’t have any palace at the moment.
Another palace, called eMbelebeleni, in kwaMashu in Durban was abandoned by police a long time ago.
This is the palace where the second wife of King Zwelithini, Queen Buhle kaMathe of KwaDlamahlahla Palace, was attacked and injured during IFP and ANC wars.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told Scrolla.Africa that they don’t discuss royal security with the public.
“Due to safety reasons, we don’t discuss issues of security details surrounding the Zulu royal family, including the king, with the public or media houses,” said Mathe.
Picture above: The oNdini Royal Palace that was the home of King Cetshwayo and is now occupied by the 6th Queen of the Late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, Queen Zelusile LaMafu
Image Source: African Royal Families
