There is a very real threat to the life of AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. In response, the South African government has assigned the Presidential VIP Protection Unit to the king after a recent security assessment. This unit normally protects the head of state, the deputy president, former presidents and deputy presidents, and the chief justice of the Constitutional Court.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi shocked the nation last week when he said the king’s security had been compromised at the highest level. “There is a very sensitive investigation that is taking place even now,” he said, adding that he had alerted the national police commissioner to the king’s grave danger and that someone linked to his protection service had been shot.
Misuzulu inherited the SAPS Royal Protection Unit that had safeguarded his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. Scrolla.Africa has learned that members of this unit often became too comfortable, drank on duty, and grew overly familiar with members of the now‑seriously divided family and the Zulu Royal Court. A source told Scrolla.Africa, “Actually the king was supposed to be protected by the Presidential VIP Protection Unit from the onset since the reign of King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. So all these SAPS guys have been removed to make way for the Presidential VIP Protection Unit. The SAPS unit were no longer serving the purpose of ensuring the king’s safety due to their negligent behaviour.”
The king’s office has chosen not to be drawn into the issue, and a review of staff around the monarch—who often compromised traditional protocol—has been undertaken. Although initially thought to be a temporary measure, the Presidential VIP Protection Unit has been with the king since the opening of the KZN legislature. During the State of the Province Address by Premier Nomusa MaDube Ncube, the king was whisked out of the sitting after the unit detected a life‑threatening situation.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe explained, “The SAPS does not divulge safety and security‑related matters concerning the provision of VIP protection services to all VIPs and dignitaries because divulging such information can pose a threat and risk to all concerned.”
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