Conflicting reports on King Misuzulu KaZwelithini's health
Image: Sakiseni Nxumalo
A report by the Zulu royal monarch's traditional prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi that King Misuzulu was receiving treatment in an eSwatini hospital was swiftly rebutted by the king's office, which says he is merely undergoing a check-up.
Buthelezi said the king took ill on Saturday.
“I am informed that His Majesty's senior induna, Mr [Douglas] 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,” said Buthelezi.
“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.
“Should there be any reason for further investigations, that will be attended to by the authorities.”
The king was doing well in hospital, Buthelezi said.
But on Sunday, King Misuzulu's spokesperson Prince Afrika Zulu said the king was not currently admitted at any hospital and dismissed the fears of poisoning as “lies” meant to call his fitness to lead into question.
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