eMBALENHLE – Mr Ephraim Shabangu has been suspended as the eMbhuleni Royal Tribe headman and Mr Simon Ntshalintshali is acting in his place.
This came after Mr Shabangu mistakenly introduced himself as a chief and named his kraal as the Naka Takho Swazi Royal Tribe.
He was called by the king to explain himself and he allegedly denied the allegations of the new kraal and that the Ridge Times had taken a photo of him without his knowledge.
He was assigned to sue the newspaper, but he instead approached the newspaper to apologise to Prince Makhosonkhe Dlamini.
In the article he said it was a mistake made by his son and he wanted to put the record straight that he is not a chief.
Prince Dlamini appointed delegates to deal with the issue and Mr Shabangu was invited to a meeting, but he did not show up.
Mr Philimon Hleta said they were disappointed by the actions of Mr Shabangu and that it was sad that they will have to give a bad report to the prince.
Mr Shabangu said one of the reason for his suspension was because he has named the local kraal Naka Takho Royal Tribe while he was using the eMbhuleni Royal Tribe’s official stamp and letterhead.
“If he has a new name, it means it is a new chieftaincy not of ours,” said Mr Hleta.
“We are not the Naka Takho Royal Tribe and we do not know what is that.
“We gave him seven day to return the certificate and the stamps and we will hear from the prince as to what to do next.
“For now he is suspended until further notice.
“We will come back to the public to tell them about the development of the matter.”
Mr Shabangu said he will not return the certificate and the stamps until he gets a formal letter from Prince Makhosonkhe Dlamini.
He said the delegate did not inform him of the meeting in time and when they called him, it was too late for him to get his delegate to attend the meeting with him.
“It was raining and I did not have a car to get to the meeting.
“I was appointed by Prince Dlamini and I get instructions from him only.
“I am still working as a headman and I do not know anything about the newly appointed one.”
