By Lungani Zungu
Mbongiseni Muntukaphiwana Zulu, a senior prince in the Zulu royal family, has become the sixth man close to reigning Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini to be murdered this year.
He was shot alongside his bodyguard – who died upon arrival in hospital – in Nongoma in the north of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday evening.
Prince Mboniseni and his bodyguard’s killing comes ahead of the 9th edition of the royal Sabbath and umgidi ceremony that will see scores of members of the Shembe church flocking to eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma on Saturday.
The supporters of Prince Simakade, challenging King Misuzulu’s rise to the throne, see the eNyokeni Royal Palace as his base.
Prince Sihlangu, also the son of the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, is reportedly against the umgidi ceremony being held at eNyokeni.
The slain Prince Mbongiseni was instrumental in ensuring King Misuzulu’s first Umkhosi Womhlanga was a success.
He once served as an IFP Member of Parliament (MP).
Another notable figure who was assassinated during a royal historical event was Dr Dumisani Khumalo, a close ally of King Misuzulu.
Khumalo was assassinated in September outside his house when he had just returned from King Misuzulu’s first reed dance ceremony since he took over the throne.
A month later, in October, King Misuzulu lost four men – including the prominent Induna Maphemba Cuphisa Ntuli – ahead of his coronation and kingship certificate handover by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Durban.
The four were ambushed by unknown gunmen in Nongoma.
It is unknown whether this spate of killing is linked to the ongoing feud over the throne.
Prince Simakade, King Zwelithini’s first son, born out of wedlock, has taken the matter to court, in a bid to unseat King Misuzulu.
Thulani Zulu, the spokesperson of the royal family, said the royal family is shattered.
“We are all shattered. It is painful to all of us that he had to die in this tragic manner.”
For all these murders, no person has been arrested.
Police confirmed the murders but said no arrests have been made yet.
Pictured above: Mbongiseni Muntukaphiwana Zulu
Picture source: Supplied
