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Uncertainty reigned on Sunday over the health of South Africa’s Zulu king, the head of the country’s most influential traditional monarchy, with his spokesman denying reports he had been hospitalised.
Misuzulu Zulu, 48, ascended the throne last year after the death of his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, amid a bitter feud over the royal succession.
Overnight on Saturday, the influential Zulu prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, said in a press release that the monarch had been hospitalised in the neighbouring country of Eswatini after falling ill.
The king believe he was being poisoned, after the sudden and unexpected death of one of his close advisers on Saturday, he said.
Although the title of king of the Zulu nation does not bestow executive power, the monarchs wield great moral influence over more than 11 million Zulus, who make up nearly a fifth of South Africa’s population of 60 million people.
King Zwelithini, who died after more than 50 years in charge, left six wives and at least 28 children.
Misuzulu is the first son of Zwelithini’s third wife, who he designated as regent in his will.
The queen however died suddenly a month after Zwelithini, leaving a will naming Misuzulu as the next king, a development that did not go down well with other family members.
However, a statement released by Misuzulu’s newly appointed spokesperson, Prince Africa Zulu, said the monarch was in a “perfect condition” and was not in hospital.
Prince Africa dimmed the reports as defamatory and baseless. He however confirmed Xaba’s death.
Buthelezi said in the statement: “It is with great concern that I have received news from honourable Prince Vumile, brother to his Majesty King Mswati III, that his Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is being treated in a hospital in eSwatini, having taken ill earlier today.
“When his majesty began to feel unwell, he suspected that he too may have been poisoned. He immediately sought out medical treatment in eSwatini. I am informed that His Majesty felt uncomfortable seeking treatment in SA, as his parents had both received treatment in SA and subsequently died,” said Buthelezi.