AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has written an urgent letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, pleading for immediate intervention following what he describes as an unexplained and dangerous reduction in his security detail.
King Misuzulu wants his security detail beefed up over safety fears
The king expressed deep concerns over his safety, citing ongoing tensions within the Zulu royal house and previous threats to his life.
In the letter, which has been seen by Sunday World, King Misuzulu claims that his Presidential Protection Services security team was reduced from 12 members to just five during his official trip to Eswatini on Friday, 7 February 2025.
He stated that this decision was made without any prior notice or explanation, putting his life at serious risk, particularly when travelling outside South Africa.
“Given the prevailing tensions within the royal house, my security threat level remains extremely high within South Africa,” the king wrote in his letter to Ramaphosa.
He further revealed that he personally contacted Police Minister Senzo Mchunu a day before his Eswatini trip for an urgent review of his security. However, despite assurances from the minister that the issue would be addressed, no action has been taken to restore his full security detail.
King Misuzulu also questioned why his security protections were being reduced despite being granted the status of a former president in terms of security provisions.
He reminded Ramaphosa that under this designation, he should be receiving the highest level of protection, yet this has not been honoured.
“Given the ongoing threats to my life, I respectfully urge your immediate intervention to ensure that my security is reinstated in full and without delay. I trust that this matter will receive the urgency it deserves,” the letter read.
Security concerns amid past threats
King Misuzulu’s concerns are not without precedent. His ascension to the throne has been marred by ongoing disputes over his legitimacy, with several of his siblings and rival factions within the royal family contesting his kingship in court battles.
In July 2023, concerns about an alleged poisoning attempt surfaced after his traditional prime minister, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, claimed that the king sought emergency medical treatment in Eswatini following the sudden death of one of his senior advisers.
This incident fuelled speculation that King Misuzulu had been poisoned, though he later dismissed the claims, stating he was in good health and had travelled for a routine check-up.
The ongoing tensions within the Zulu royal house, legal battles over the throne, and reports of past threats have heightened fears for the king’s safety.
His latest appeal to President Ramaphosa signals deepening concerns that he remains a target.
For now, it remains unclear why his security was reduced or if the president will intervene.
