A two-year court battle between rival Inkosis to lead the Maphumulo clan in Umbumbulu was concluded last week.
The case between iNkosi Nathi Maphumulo and his sister Thembi Maphumulo Itshehlophe was struck off the roll after a Durban High Court judge ruled the case of chieftaincy should have never been brought to the court as it was a family matter.
There was ululation, chanting and dancing in the court shortly after the announcement of the verdict.
The complainant, Itshehlophe’s attorney Lwazi Mini tried to convince the court to postpone the case as he wanted to gather more information. He said his preceding colleagues had since changed careers and he had left insufficient information on the case.
iNkosi Maphumulo’s attorney Mondli Nhlangulela said his client did not elect himself, as it was a collective decision by the family.
“I am happy that the matter has been put to rest and I can’t wait to work for my people,” said a jubilant iNkosi Maphumulo. “For 63 years the Zulu nation has been governed by interim amakhosi. I’m so elated about this result.”
Inkosi Maphumulo is expected to be officially installed by King Zwelithini now that the case has been scrapped off the roll.
