King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. | Khaya Ngwenya/ Independent Newspapers
Durban — King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has allegedly fired his security chief, Lieutenant-Colonel Nhlanhla Bhengu, citing safety concerns.
Bhengu is a member of SAPS heading the unit assigned to provide protection services to the king. In a letter the king penned to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, seen by the Daily News, he said there was a need for an immediate withdrawal from his post due to serious safety concerns related to “this official being around my presence and the royal households”.
The king further expressed his disappointment at the withdrawal of the counter-assault team, which he said was removed without being consulted or an explanation given.
“Minister, I herein advise of my profound disquiet in the manner in which affairs of Royal Households are attended,” the letter read. The king requested Mchunu’s intervention and full co-operation in investigating and promptly addressing the root cause of the issue.
Mchunu’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said they had received the letter, but declined to comment further. The king’s aide, Prince Simphiwe said he had heard about the letter but could not comment because the king had not informed him.
Meanwhile, Prince Simphiwe dismissed rumours about the “disappearance” of the king’s first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela. The rumours were sparked by her non-appearance at the reed dance ceremony at Enyokeni Palace in Nongoma last week. The king did not address her absence when he introduced his other wife, Nomzamo Myeni.
Prince Simphiwe said there was nothing untoward about her absence. Another king’s wife who has not been seen in the royal kraal for a long time is eSwatini-born Nozizwe Mulela.
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Daily News