Amabutho in standoff with police during Zulu Queen's memorial service

Amabutho in standoff with police at Zulu Queen's memorial service

There's been a standoff between law enforcement officials and a group of amabutho at Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu's memorial service underway at KwaKhangela.

amabutho at Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu's memorial service
Steve Bhengu

The procession was led by the late queen's eldest son and attempted to barge in during prayer. 

Scenes that were witnessed during the late King Goodwill Zwelithini's memorial service have once again played out at KwaKhangela royal palace. 

However, more notably now is that amabutho were led by the Queen Mantombi Dlamini Zulu's eldest son Prince MisuZulu. 

READ: Amabutho in standoff with police at Zulu Queen's memorial service

He is wildly speculated to be next on the thrown. 

Moments before amabutho entered the event, police had attempted to stop them, with one leader calling on police to let them through in order to avoid thing getting further out of hand. Police then stepped down. 

READ: Zulu Queen laid to rest amid family tension in Nongoma

They then proceeded to march on and chanting armed with spears, shields and traditional weapons at the entrance were met by prime minister of the Zulu household Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who stopped them in their tracks and urged them to observe the event respectfully. 

At this point, the amabutho stayed down and only allowed Prince Misizulu to go inside, who then proceeded to sit among his siblings and family at the front of the marquee.

The late Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu has been hailed as a peace-builder and a conflict resolution champion.


Mangosuthu has also gone on to describe the late queen as someone who carried herself gracefully and always extended a hand to those in need. 

The late queen was interred overnight in a private ceremony.

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