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Conflicting statements on new Zulu King’s security

Prime minister of the Zulu nation claims police have been withdrawn, ANC issue denial

By SIHLE MKHIZE

The Zulu Monarch, through prime minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi have, on Sunday claimed that government decided to withdraw all security protocol around newly installed King, Misuzulu kaZwelithini Zulu.

But later in the day the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal released a statement denying this, saying it is not true. It was alleged that the security detail was withdrawn because the new King had not been officially installed.

Eye witnesses in Kwakhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma, including an Independent Media senior political reporter confirmed that there was no visible police presence in the royal residence and that the King and his convoy were also not there.

Security concerns on King Misuzulu kaZwelithini rose immediately after he was announced as the next in line to rule the kingdom with some within the Royal Household said to have been against that decision.

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini was named as the next in life for the throne in the will left behind by his late mother, Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu who was the official regent.

“The African National Congress has noted with deep concern the statement purported to have been issued by the Zulu Traditional Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

“The statement called on the public to assist following a purported withdrawal of the security services to His majesty the King Misuzulu KaZwelithini.

“The provision of security and SAPS VIP Protection services in particular in KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace and to the King has not only been retained but also reinforced and this has been confirmed by the Minister of Police, comrade Bheki Cele,” reads the ANC statement.

The ANC also raised concerns about the reasons behind the dissemination of the information which it alleges to be false.

The statement called on the public to assist following a purported withdrawal of the security services to His majesty the King Misuzulu KaZwelithini

“The African National Congress is extremely concerned and deeply troubled by the suspected motive of whoever had advised Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi about the alleged withdrawal of the protection services to His Majesty, the King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.

“We hope and sincerely trust that the intended agenda is not to create a schism between the ANC led government and the Royal House or His Majesty the King for political expediency.

“The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal appeals to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to verify his information, including with the Minister of Police comrade Bheki Cele before issuing security related statements to the public.

“This is important to ensure that formal communication to society is grounded on facts rather then perception or incomplete information.

The African National Congress has also called on the Ministry of Police and the Provincial Commissioner in particular to public clarify, to the extent that it could be permissible, the security details relating to His Majesty the King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. This is profoundly important in order to remove fictions from facts.

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