PRINCE TELLS MOURNERS THERE ARE DISHONEST PEOPLE IN THE KINGS FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Amampondo King Zanozuko almost descended into chaos on Tuesday when a young man reminded the mourners that there was a court order in place.
Prince Mbasa Sigcau stood up and told Nokuzola Capa, deputy minister of agriculture, and rural development and the program director “You are being dishonest. There are a lot of dishonest people at this funeral including the government.
“The government knows the royal family that appointed the late king as the king of Amampondo. Today there are people here who choosing to deal with other people who we don’t know.
“There is an acting king. I do apologise. Please can we correct a few things because there is a fear that if we do not present an opposing view, there will be a misconception that we agree with this whole mess that we are seeing here.
“The royal family have a view and that view must be respected. There is a court order and the minister of Cogta and relevant people are aware of this. Please can we respect the royal family and I want to put it on public record, “there is a legitimate royal family” He said the kingship was still being contested and “they are the ones that are alleging to be representing us. Please can we be honest about everything that is happening here.”
Prince Mbasa was then whisked out of the packed marquee while the choir tried to drown out the commotion. After a shot break, a chaplain from the SANDAF took to the podium to call for peace, saying any other concerns that we might have. It is proper that we conduct ourselves in the correct manner and just respect the ceremony. We are aware of the challenge, but I do not think any of us would appreciate their loved one be disrespected at this time. The chaplain said the concerns are noted and would be dealt with.
On the eve of King Zanozuko ‘s burial, the family was locked in a bitter court dispute over who should be in charge of the burial rituals. The Amafaku royal family and Acting king of Amampondo, Prince Dumelani Sigcau, filed an Urgent application before the high court in Umthatha on Monday evening, seeking to prevent the funeral of the late king from taking place without their involvement.
They wanted an order declaring them as the correct people and structure to oversee and perform all customary rituals during the burial of the late king.
