The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has welcomed the arrest of Mr Gcina Bethuel Nkosi, who appeared before the Danhausser Magistrates Court, where he was granted bail. He was apprehended by the Danhauser SAPS for falsely claiming to be a king within the Amajuba District.
MEC Buthelezi believes that the arrest sends a clear message to other potential fraudsters that law enforcement agencies will not tolerate individuals who attempt to deceive communities with false claims of kingship, which are nothing more than figments of their imagination.
Falsely claiming to be an Inkosi or a King is an offence in terms of the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act No. 5 of 2005, Section 51(1)(a), which states:
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if that person-
(a) purports to be a traditional leader in terms of this Act without having been recognised as contemplated in this Act;
MEC Buthelezi has commended the SAPS for their work in upholding the law and protecting the integrity of traditional leadership structures. This action reaffirms the commitment of law enforcement to safeguard communities from such deceptive practices.
The MEC further warns those who refer to themselves as kings in KwaZulu-Natal to desist immediately, as they risk a similar fate. There is only one King in KZN – King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Issued by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs