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Royal House Reportedly Says Zulu King's Health Is Fine After Claims of Suspected Poisoning

© AFP 2023 RAJESH JANTILALKing Misuzulu Zulu, 48, addresses supporters during the king's coronation at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on October 29, 2022. Tens of thousands of people in colourful regalia gathered at a huge soccer stadium in the coastal city of Durban to celebrate the official coronation of South Africa's Zulu king.
King Misuzulu Zulu, 48, addresses supporters during the king's coronation at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on October 29, 2022. Tens of thousands of people in colourful regalia gathered at a huge soccer stadium in the coastal city of Durban to celebrate the official coronation of South Africa's Zulu king. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 02.07.2023
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The Zulu nation is the largest ethnic group in South Africa, with an estimated 11 million people, making up nearly a fifth of the country's population. The present head of the Zulu royal family is Misuzulu kaZwelithini. Although the title of king does not bestow executive power, the monarchs wields great moral influence over the Zulu people.
As cited by South African media, the Zulu Royal House stated that King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is feeling good and only underwent minor tests following the sudden death of his councellor, Douglas Xaba.
Earlier on Sunday, traditional Zulu Prime Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi relesed a statement, saying that the 48-year-old monarch is at present receiving treatment in Eswatini after falling ill earlier in the day.
Buthelezi said that there are fears that the king's senior Induna (traditional counselor), Mr Xaba, who recently died, was poisoned. After Xaba's death, the king also felt sick, suspecting that he also could have been poisoned.
Buthelezi said that he was told of the monarch's health by his brother, Prince Vumile.

"It is understood that His Majesty is under medical care and further information will be conveyed when it comes available," Buthelezi said, adding that the authorities will investigate the case if necessary.

He explained that the king preferred to seek treatment in Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa, because he felt uncomfortable being hospitalized in South Africa, where his mother "received treatment and subsequently died",
In this Monday Sept. 3, 2012 file photo Eswatini's King, Mswati III, front, dances during a Reed Dance in Mbabane.   - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 19.04.2023
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According to several police sources in Eswatini, the monarch is being treated at the Ezulwini private hospital, a few kilometers from the royal residence of Ludzidzini.
In South Africa, sovereigns and traditional chiefs are recognized by the constitution. Although they have no executive power, they wield deep moral authority and are revered by their people.
Misuzulu was crowned last year at a historic event attended by thousands at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa's coastal city of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. He ascended to the throne once held by his late father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March 2021, after more than 50 years in power.
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